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)

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Christmas Schedule 2018

Christmas Eve, Monday, 24 December

Vigils, Lauds, Mass, Sext, and None follow the usual Monday times 
5:30 PM–First Vespers of Christmas
7:45 PM–Recital of Carols by Madelaine MacNeil, performed in Cool Spring House
8:30 PM–Christmas Vigils followed by the Christmas Night Mass

The Gift Shop is OPEN extra hours on Monday morning December 24, 10-Noon, as well as 2:15-4:15 pm

Christmas, Tuesday, 25 December

8:00 AM–Lauds
9:45 AM–Terce followed by Christmas Day Mass
12:20 PM–Sext
5:30 PM–Second Vespers of Christmas followed by Benediction
7:30 PM–Compline

The GIFT SHOP is CLOSED ON CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S DAY and (as usual) on the Wednesdays following Christmas/New Year

News

Fraters sold out; plenty of fruitcakes left

Our popular chocolate-covered fruitcake muffins are sold out and won't be available until the New Year. To those hoping to purchase these delicacies, we apologize, and trust that some of the other items we sell will serve as worthy substitutes.  Please be assured that there is still a plenteous supply of our Truffles and fruitcakes—both the traditional larger (2 1/4 lb) cakes and the … Continue Reading

Liturgy

Fr. James’ Homily for the Third Sunday of Advent, Year C, 16 December, 2018

Readings: Zephaniah 3:14-18a; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:10-18 Clearly John the Baptist is such an important figure in the life and ministry of Jesus that all four evangelists introduce his story in each Gospel. Saint Luke's Gospel, which dominates this liturgical year, and his Acts of the Apostles provide the most information about John's teaching, his life and his relation to Jesus. In fact … Continue Reading

...more liturgy posts

From the Abbot’s Lectio Notebook

Although, as Christians, we affirm the unconditional love of God, receiving this love and benefiting from its saving power is conditional. God’s unconditional love is not to be equated with all things turning out well in the end no matter what—thereby nullifying all negative consequences. The very nature of love is that it excludes coercion—either by demanding love from another or forcing one’s … Continue Reading

Retreat House

Welcome to Holy Cross Abbey’s Retreat House. This ministry is a way to share a taste of our monastic life with you by sharing our silence and solitude, the natural beauty of this setting and the monastic liturgy throughout the day. The monks think of the Retreat House as our guest house; unfortunately that term has specific connotations in our world and this is not just a place for an overnight stay. Rather our Retreat House is specifically for those who need time to reflect on their lives, pray or refresh themselves spiritually. Staying with us in the Retreat House is a commitment to maintaining the silence contemplative environment of the place for all the guests.

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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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