I have arrived at a solid and prospering monastery.  If there is a religious calling to be discerned I am in the right place.  The ambiance and community of Assumption Abbey presents comfortably.  Two prayer sessions, the routine of the Divine Office brought back into view, adoration with fifty college students–Catholic studies majors spending the weekend in the guest quarters, settled me into a contemplative mood.  No trying, no attempts at approaching God. Naturally, with ease, profoundness has emerged.  Brother Michael, I assume for he is the only one I told, placed a Rosary upon my doorknob.  I informed him as we toured the Bismarck cultural center I forgot to bring a Rosary.  Finding the Rosary hanging upon the doorknob after breakfast accelerated the beating of my heart.  I will be taking photos. The cafeteria view will astound, absolutely amazing.  Interestingly a heavy haze hangs over North Dakota due to extreme fires in the state of Washington.  I am told it is actually dissipating, the locals eager to have clear skies once again.  Brother Michael and I picked up a young man twenty-two, entering the order this week.  Interestingly, he flew out of the Toledo airport, living in Michigan.  Overall, the community presents impressive men.  I do not see the unhealthy mental deterioration of men stagnating in the religious life. I have visited monasteries, witnessing such sadness.  There are approximately ten priests amongst the thirty plus Benedictines.  An older priest engaged me in a spirited conversation covering the upcoming college football season, informing me I could not watch the Notre Dame football game with him as he would be watching it in the monastery.  I am staying in the visitor dormitory, a wonderful room with my own shower and bathroom.  I can watch the game in the guest lobby.  God is good.  He blessed me with a splendid vacation.  I did find it interesting that the remote community is right in the middle of Richardton, a vital part of the small town.  Driving into town, towns are sparsely set apart–nothing but large farms and ranches between, an attractive woman waved to us enthusiastically.  Brother Michael responded with a wave, calling out his window to the woman by name.  She is the postmaster.  I realized everyone knows everyone in this town and the monks are a part of the friendly community.  Homes are gathered around the center of town, to the northern edge the monastery sits amongst them.  This will be a good week.

Bismarck Airport

Religious sister visiting home before heading to motherhouse in France

Young North Dakota mother and child

North Dakota Cultural Center

Bison North Dakota treasure