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Holy Cross Abbey

901 Cool Spring Lane Berryville, Virginia 22611

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For 1500 years monks have prayed the Liturgy of the Hours. Join us in continuing this monastic tradition.

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Welcome to Our Lady of the Holy Cross Abbey

The monastery is a school of the Lord's service where Christ is formed in the hearts of the brothers and where in solitude and silence they aspire to that interior quiet in which wisdom is born. By generous hospitality they share with their fellow pilgrims the peace and hope which Christ has freely given.
(Constitutions of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance 3:2-3)

Read more about our life

—

Cistercian Founders

January 26, 2021

Cistercian Founders

As 2021 gets underway and the Season of Lent approaches, the sign at the monastery entrance still informs the visitor that the monastery remains closed to the public. However, our Retreat House is open even though it continues operating at half of its capacity—that is, eight guests. Unfortunately, at time of writing, none of the monks have been vaccinated, and the vulnerability of most in our monastic community still argues against our opening our masses and prayer services to the public at this time. So please be aware that if you choose to make a retreat with us, you will not have access to the monastery chapel, holy mass, or any of the offices. Until further notice, the confessor/counselor will also not be available. For more information on safety measures being implemented in our Retreat House and for making a reservation, please email Carol Hensley at information@hcava.org However, we attempt to livestream daily mass and the main offices of the day: Lauds and Mass at 7.00 a.m. (Sunday Mass at 10.00 a.m.); Vespers at 5.30 p.m. and Compline at 7.30 p.m. (Please be aware that the quality of both image and sound is far less than ideal because of technical limitations) Anyone wishing to utilize this option need simply follow this link: https://www.twitch.tv/vatrappists

MONASTERY FRUITCAKES AND THE GIFT SHOP

Creamed Honeys, and Monastery Truffles can still be purchased online at: www.monasteryfruitcake.org In the light of continuing health concerns relating to COVID-19, the Gift Shop remains closed until further notice. We thank our faithful fruitcake customers for availing themselves of the pick-up service offered at the Gift Shop and if you still wish to purchase these fruitcakes, they will remain available over the next few weeks. To this end, please note:

  • These Smaller 1.5 lb. loaf fruitcakes will be placed in the foyer of the Gift Shop—which will be open from 8.30 a.m., until 4.30 p.m., Sunday through Saturday—no monk will be in attendance.
  • The price of each 1.5 lb. fruitcake is $25.00—this price includes sales tax.
  • Checks are preferred, but cash is also welcome—please ensure that you have the exact amount as change cannot be provided.
  • A deposit box for checks/cash is also located in the foyer.
  • Unfortunately, the logistics involved dissuade us from making any other products or items from the Gift Shop available at this time—we thank you for your understanding. We do, however, have a few Sale items which include a limited assortment of Trappist Preserves, Jellies, and Jams.
  • Also, please note that the monastery and abbey chapel remain closed to the public until further notice.

Please join us in praying for all those more directly concerned with responding to this crisis that has so suddenly impacted our daily lives and that will present significant challenges to how we live out our Christian faith and commitment. We also remember in prayer the many who have died and intercede for the consolation and comforting of their families and loved ones they leave behind.

News

A Word from Our Cistercian Fathers

January 3, 2021

“Arise, be enlightened, Jerusalem, for your Light has come.”  This present day of lights has been enlightened for us and consecrated by the Light of Light.  He has lain hidden and unknown, but today he has vouchsafed to reveal himself to the world for the enlightenment of all nations.  For today he revealed himself to the Chaldeans by the sign of a new star, dedicating in them as in … Continue Reading

  • A Word from our Cistercian Fathers
  • Late Advent Blessing

Liturgy

Fr. James’ Homily for the 3rd Sunday of the Year

January 24, 2021

24 January, 2021: Third Sunday, Year B: Jonah 3:1-5, 10; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31; Mark 1:14-20     After John had been arrested, Mark tells us, then Jesus began to call his disciples. We’re only in the first chapter of Mark’s Gospel and already, Jesus, who was baptized by John, is on shaky ground. He doesn’t conceal but raises his profile. And I wager it doesn’t require being the … Continue Reading

  • Fr. James’ Homily for Epiphany
  • Fr. James’ Homily for the Feast of the Holy Family

...more liturgy posts

From the Abbot’s Lectio Notebook

January 22, 2021

On this annual Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, the quote from Jeremiah (in our first reading) is especially relevant. For although legal protection of the unborn is crucial, it is only a stage in progress towards a true solution. Until, in the words of Jeremiah, God’s immutable law against the taking of all human life, is placed in our minds and written on our hearts, … Continue Reading

Retreat House

Staying a few days at the Abbey's Retreat House is the primary way guests can get a taste of our monastic life, by entering into silence and solitude, the natural beauty of the setting, and the monastic liturgy throughout the day. Retreat House guests commit to maintaining the silence and contemplative environment of the place.

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Gift Shop

The first building many of our guests visit when they come to the monastery is the Gift Shop/Porter’s Cottage located at the end of the entrance road to the monastery.

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Bakery Products

If you’re local or able to make a trip to visit us, we would appreciate a visit the monastery in person and you can get your fruitcake at the best price directly from the Gift Shop.

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Donation

We must be intentional in making sure the ongoing financial support needed to keep the Abbey running is acquired. You can make a one time gift or, better yet, you can become a Sustainer.

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Cool Spring Natural Cemetery

Cool Spring Natural Cemetery is maintained and managed by the Cistercian Monks of Holy Cross Abbey where, for over sixty years, monks have lived on land made sacred by their lives of worship, prayer, and hospitality offered to all who visit. The cemetery thus constitutes a tangible extension of the monks’ life of worship, prayer, and their long tradition of hospitality.

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Holy Cross Abbey

901 Cool Spring Lane
Berryville, Virginia 22611-2700
Phone: (540) 955-4383

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