New life. It is an occasion of great joy for any family – and our monastic family is no different. In 2017 we had a grace-filled triduum-of-sorts, welcoming new novices on December 7, witnessing a first profession on December 8, and celebrating the culmination of the monastic formation process as two men professed solemn (lifetime) vows on December 9. The monastic life is a process – these events are buttressed together to remind us that just as the monastery was constructed, stone by stone, so too is the monastic life a layered process. It is our hope that, over time, we will each be strengthened through our prayer life, through our community life, and through our apostolic works. And that when we reach the ultimate summit – the end of our earthly life of prayer and work – our souls are a reflection of the monastery in which they were formed – and our monastic vows the foundation upon which all of our being rests. In these pages we look back at the transformative moments from December 2017 and ask that you join us in praying for these men, for who we give thanks and praise to almighty God.
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Kansas Monks
