Catholic seminary
March Madness
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all the Irish (and all who wish they were Irish). We have a nice line-up of great saints this week: St. Patrick, St. Joseph (March 19), and St. Benedict (March 21). We celebrate the “passing” or “transitus” of St. Benedict as our solemnity, which is this Saturday. Yesterday evening, even…
Coffee Shop Night
It is the middle of March. The seminarians put on their annual seminary talent night, also known as, “Coffee Shop Night.” The evening of entertainment featured a variety of acts featuring seminarians and monks: comedy skits, musical acts, and even videos. It is a nice time for the Abbey and Seminary community to gather and…
Anniversaries and Announcements
Our confrere, Fr. Anthony, celebrates his 75th anniversary of monastic profession on this day. He was born on August 21, 1921, professed in 1940, and was ordained to the priesthood on May 22, 1964. Congratulations, Fr. Anthony! In other news, it was announced recently that Fr. Brendan Moss of St. Meinrad Archabbey will serve as…
Shedding Light on it
Yesterday evening we had a beautiful sunset. I was out front just as the sun was setting to catch these great pictures. We continue to enjoy weather that is in the 60’s. It looks like it should be highs in the 60s or 70s in to the weekend. Below: Beautiful light and shadows in…
Feeling like Spring
The weather is into the 60’s this weekend, and should stay there for the rest of the week. Everyone is enjoying this weather after a rather dismal February. The seminarians are enjoying an off-campus weekend and the monks are enjoying the quiet time and beautiful weather. There are several guests here this weekend, including a…
Monastic Life Talk
I was invited to speak at St. Theresa’s parish in North Kansas City. I spoke about the year of consecrated life and monastic life at conception Abby. It was a very good experience with nice parishioners who showed me hospitality.
More Ask a Monk Videos!
I finally finished editing and publishing these last two Ask a Monk videos of Fr. Victor and Br. Michael. This completes 15, I believe, videos total. I hope you have found them entertaining and insight into our community and the many personalities.
Room Selection
There is a lot of excitement as the monks finished choosing which room they will occupy when it is time to move into the newly renovated monastery. How are the monks choosing rooms? It is based on seniority. There were three rounds of room selections. When I mention “rounds” you might equate it with some…
Forming Future Priests
The monks of Conception Abbey discuss their mission in forming future priests, a task they have been involved in since 1886.
Ash Wednesday and Monastic Lenten Practices
Abbot Gregory presides over Ash Wednesday Mass and the distribution of ashes. As ashes were distributed, each person was marked with the sign of the cross and heard the formula: “Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” There are several different practices that the monks observe for the Lenten season. Ash Wednesday is a Day of Recollection…