Alumni Reunion and other news

The annual Conception alumni reunion was held this past Friday and Saturday. My understanding is that about 90 alumni attended. The college class of forty years ago in 1969 had a very good turnout for their reunion. I had been the prefect for most of them at some time while they were here. It was good to see them again. I always refer to those 1960's as turbulent years in the Church and also in our society. I always say that during those years everyone seemed to want something different, everyone wanted change, but not many of us knew exactly what we wanted. A number left the monastery in those years and the same thing happened in most religious communities and in the diocesan priesthood.

The Eucharist was celebrated at 4:30 PM on Friday with Bishop Anthony Milone, an alumnus and retired bishop of Great Falls-Billings in Montana as celebrant and homilist. He now lives in Omaha which is where he served as priest before being appointed bishop. At the conclusion of Mass Mr. Fred Meyer was given the alumni award for distinguished service. Fred went to school here from 1934-36. He lives in the state of Washington and was not able to be here because of his age and health. His younger brother, who lives in Iowa, accepted the award in his name.

Last weekend when I was filling in for the pastor at Brunswick, MO where I was born and raised, I got to see my great great nephew and nieces who were born on my birthday on July 7. There were originally quadruplets but one of the boys died the second day after they were born. The other three just recently were released from the hospital and are now at home. Each of them now weighs 5-6 pounds. I am putting a photo of them here on my blog with their great-great uncle. I have to admit I was a little nervous holding three babies at once but very proud of them.

Brody, the boy, is in the center with
his sisters Emery and Gracie on the
left and right.

Next weekend, October 2-4, we have an oblate retreat here. It is being given by Karen Ceckowski, pastoral associate for our Prayer and Ministry Center.

Especially if you are an oblate be sure to always check out our web site and oblate site located on our Conception Abbey web site. Click here