$1 million gift pushes Conception campaign halfway to goal
CONCEPTION, Mo. (September 5, 2019) — Conception Abbey and Seminary College announce the Brothers Living in Unity capital campaign received a $1 million gift from an anonymous donor to build a new residence hall and grow the endowment for retired monks.
“We are hopeful that this remarkable commitment to our future will challenge others to participate in this important campaign,” said Rt. Rev. Benedict Neenan, OSB, Abbot of Conception Abbey. "The donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, believes greatly in the work of Conception Seminary College and hopes to see that service to the Church continue well into the future."
Since announcing the campaign on Ash Wednesday in April, dozens of volunteers and monks have been working hard to personally visit with Conception’s many benefactors and friends about their commitment to the campaign. With the inclusion of this pledge, more than $7.5 million has been raised, surpassing the halfway mark of the overall $14.5-million goal.
“Although we have just begun this three-year journey, we have already been tremendously blessed,” said Neenan. “This gift, along with the tremendous support of our campaign leadership and sponsoring dioceses, has positioned us well to help ensure that we address the urgent needs of housing for our seminarians and the care of our retired monks.”
Securing the $10-million goal for a new residence hall to house all seminarians under one roof will further strengthen Conception’s formation program.
“This effort will strengthen the bonds of fraternity amongst our seminarians,” said Very Rev. Victor Schinstock, OSB, President-Rector at Conception Seminary College. “The Catholic Church needs priests who have lived in a community that fosters authentic Christian community experience in their parishes.”
The campaign will also provide funds to grow the Monastic Retirement Endowment dedicated to the care for Conception’s retired monks, who have devoted their lives in service to the Lord.
As monks age and can no longer work in the seminary and other ministries, they reside in Conception’s infirmary, where their health care expenses are covered by the Monastic Retirement Endowment. “To continue providing the benefits that our beloved monks deserve after a lifetime of service, both now and in the future, we must continue to expand our endowment,” Neenan said.
Conception is hopeful that these early commitments to the three-year effort will inspire all alumni and friends to support this much-needed endeavor. More information is available on our campaign website found at campaign.conceptionabbey.org.
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