Page 54 - Priorities #72

Monastic Updates
“Something Old; Something New” was this year’s Priory theme which played itself out campus-wide in various forms. It played itself out at the monastery as well.
Last June our Father Pius was called home to the Lord. He was the oldest member of the monastic community and I was sent as the newest member. Somebody old, somebody new.
This Priory theme was also played out in the monastery building itself. Originally built in 1969-1970, there have been a few renovations and repairs done over the years. During this past year, the three M’s, Martin, Maurus and Matthew decided it was time for some further improvements, in part due to the four month temporary closure of the campus dining hall, but perhaps more so because we wanted to improve our capacity for Benedictine hospitality on the campus.
With the help of our outstanding maintenance staff, Home Depot, and the Friends of the Chapel, we now enjoy a renovated Chapel, complete kitchen, new dining room, and new monastic library. The entrance area, along with our community room, have also been redesigned.
We have already hosted various campus groups for a tour of the monastery and for some homemade refreshments and look forward to doing more of the same throughout the coming year. All are welcome.
Priory’s Hungarian Catholic Mission community recently experienced “Something New” as well. On June 2, for the first time, the Sacrament of Confirmation was celebrated at Priory. I conferred the Sacrament on two members of the Priory school community, Ryanne DeGood, teacher of theology, and Zsófia Horváth, a rising eighth grader. Eight members of the Hungarian Catholic Mission’s Scout program were also confirmed. During the same Mass, nine received First Communion. The festal Mass was followed by a reception for all.
By Father Matthew Leavy, O.S.B.
Newly confirmed Ryanne DeGood.
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Zsófia Horváth ‘24 receives a confirmation blessing.
First Communion recipients.
The renovated Chapel in the monastery.
A new dining room for the monastery.
MONASTERY NEWS