Well, I’ve spent another week up at the Abbey with some definite good times. Thursday evening, I was able to practice with one of the liturgical choirs and sing some amazing chant. I’m loving it more and more.

Friday morning was spent doing a lot of spiritual reading (I even finished a book!). After lunch, I joined another of the brothers outside the abbey, helping to mow the lawn and clean up the curbs in preparation for the conference for Scott Hahn on Saturday. It was a long day, but very rewarding.

Saturday rolled around and as we were walking down to set up the abbey vocations table, two ladies from my parish showed up quite early. After finding out that they had gotten up at 4am to make it to the conference, we quickly showed them where the gym was. I didn’t run into them for another 30 minutes, so I hope that they took a nap during that time.

The conference itself was amazing. I was able to hear three talks given by Hahn and one talk on the sorrowful mysteries of the rosary delivered by Ted Sri. My parents met me during the second half of the day and after mass, we joined in the evening prayers (did I mention that I’m really loving chant?) and joined the monks for dinner.

This was the first time that my parents were able to come up to the abbey, and I’m excited to share with them what I’ve learned and discovered at the abbey. I love spending time around the monks and I continually feel at home more and more as I make my retreats up there. Please pray for all the men who have dedicated their lives to Christ as monks.