Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

This morning the seminarians joined the monks for Mass on the celebration of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, which the basilica is dedicated. The celebrant was His Excellency, Bishop Johnston of the Diocese of Kansas City – Saint Joseph.

Bishop Johnston spoke of this Year of Mercy that the universal church began today in Rome when His Holiness, Pope Francis opened the holy doors of Saint Peter’s Basilica. Bishop Johnston elaborated on how Mary’s yes to the Lord’s will opened up a ‘door’ for God to enter the world and proclaim His Mercy.

Bishop Johnston then joined the seminary community for the noon meal. It being his first official apostolic visit to the seminary as the new bishop of the diocese; he addressed the seminarians before the meal. Promising his support during their time in formation at Conception. He thanked them for their ‘yes’ to being in formation and discerning God’s will.  Also assuring that he remembers not only his seminarians in his daily prayers, but all of the seminarians at Conception.

Bishop Johnston addresses seminarians before the noon meal

After the noon meal the seminarians enjoy the rest of the day off in celebration of the Immaculate Conception! It is a nice day off right before the final week of the semester begins!