4th of July weekend

On the 4th of July, Friday evening, we had a community picnic out on the plaza between St. Joseph Hall and St. Michael Hall. The weather was beautiful -- not too hot and there were not even any flies or bugs flying around. It was a delightful evening. After the meal we even had a water balloon contest and that pretty well ended in a water balloon fight. The monks were joined by the guests who were here for the weekend and some of the lay employees who live here. Even a few of our seminarians were here for the day.

Today the Pri0r, Father Daniel, left for a week long trip to the Holy Land. He is chaplain for a group of about 22 Catholic high school teachers
who are going there for a week of study.

Arriving here at Conception today are about 16 priests from foreign countries who are working in dioceses in the United States. They are spending three weeks here to better learn the language, as well more about the culture of our country so they can better serve the people in the parishes where they will be working.

Tomorrow, July 7, is an eventful day for me as I celebrate my 75th birthday. Time does fly by fast.