Conception Abbey novice professes vows

CONCEPTION ABBEY PHOTO
Benedictine novice Nicholas Marie, center, now known as Brother Matthew, signs his profession document during services Nov. 11 in the Conception Abbey basilica. The pledge affirms Brother Matthew’s intention to keep the Benedictine vows of “stability, fidelity to the monastic way of life, and obedience” over the next three years as he continues to discern the call to monastic life. Pictured standing at right is the abbey’s prior-administrator, Father Daniel Petsche.

CONCEPTION, Mo. — Novice Nicholas Marie recently made his monastic profession of vows and was given the name Brother Matthew during a special Mass at Conception Abbey, a community of Benedictine monks and priests in eastern Nodaway County.

“This is a special day not only for Novice Nicholas, but for the entire monastic community, the extended community of Conception Abbey, and for the whole church, said Father Daniel Petsche, the abbey’s prior-administrator. “It is a day full of wonders.”

Before the gathered communities of the abbey and Conception Seminary College, an adjoining four-year liberal arts institution for young men seeking to enter the Roman Catholic priesthood, Brother Matthew professed the three Benedictine monastic vows of stability, fidelity to the monastic way of life, and obedience.

He also read aloud his profession document then signed it on the altar in the abbey’s basilica. The pledge affirms Brother Mathew’s “desire to live those vows for the next three years as he continues to discern the call to monastic life.”

A native of Washington, Iowa, Brother Matthew attended Conception Seminary College, graduating in fall 2014. He returned to Conception Abbey last year to begin his postulancy — a period of candidacy — and novitiate.

Since his entrance into monastic life, Brother Matthew has worked in the abbey’s Printery House, which produces Christian greeting cards, stationary, and other items.

He has also worked as a porter in the basilica, preparing prayer books and worship aids used during the liturgy.