A New Chapter Commences
On Saturday, May 10, Conception Seminary College graduated eight seminarians with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and one with a Bachelor of Philosophical and Theological Studies.
Pictured Above: Front Row (left to right): Archbishop Jerome Hanus, OSB, Vice-Rector Fr. Pachomius Meade, OSB, President-Rector Fr. Victor Schinstock, OSB, Abbot-Chancellor Benedict Neenan, OSB, Coordinator of Spiritual Formation Fr. Paul Sheller, OSB, Academic Dean Dr. Lawrence Welch, Coordinator of Pastoral Formation Mr. Benjamin Darnell; Second Row: Jesús Martinez, Jonathan Lemus Martinez, Kaleb Chacon, Brett Zagar, Br. Boniface Logan, OSB; Third Row: Collin Thielen, Eric Wachira, Br. Joachim Conti, OSB, Gabriel Sappington.
The Class of 2025 Reflects…
“One of my favorite memories is the first Sunday Adoration in the Basilica where the seminary community has adoration together. I remember it was the first time away from family and in a new and fast-paced environment. Here in this time with the Lord, everything slowed down, and I felt His love and comfort in that time of Adoration. That moment set the tone for my entire time at Conception, and often I return to that moment while going though a difficult time because of how foundational it was for me.”
—Brett Zagar, Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph
“Conception has given me the prayerful support, time, and space needed to turn the eye of my heart to the unique look of love that God has for me. All formation then comes from this place!”
—Gabriel Sappington, Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph
“I really loved the formation here. Particularly intellectual formation, because it taught me to see the world as it really is, which is an invaluable starting point for everything I do in life.”
—Kaleb Chacon, Diocese of San Angelo
“One thing that I will miss about Conception is how close everyone is to each other. We all grew close together over the course of even one year, and I know that it does not happen everywhere else to the depth that it does at Conception.”
—Jesús Martinez, Archdiocese of San Antonio
“I will miss the brotherhood I found at Conception Seminary College, but also the place. It was a great blessing to attend a seminary that is in a rural location. So, along with my brothers, I will miss the stillness that surrounds Conception.”
—Collin Thielen, Diocese of Salina
“Conception helped me grow in my identity as a beloved Son. I entered seminary with a lot of insecurities, and I had placed my identity in external things, such as my academic or athletic performance. I also based my identity on the approval of others. I owe a great deal of my growth to my formators, who modeled a genuine prayer life and lived with evident joy. Throughout my time at Conception, Jesus revealed His unique and tender love for me, which remains steadfast even when I fall short.”
—Eric Wachira, Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph
