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

STAINED GLASS WINDOW

Many inquire about the fate of the beautiful stained-glass window that used to be at the back of the chapel. It is presently undergoing restoration in a very delicate and painstaking process that has taken longer than originally anticipated. However, the good news is that it will be perfectly restored and its return is expected around February, 2019. … Continue Reading

Liturgy

Reflection for the Second Monday of Advent

Readings: Isaiah 35:1-10; Luke 5:17-26 This week the prophecies from Isaiah become more hopeful and less critical of our short-comings. I find that a welcomed relief. Of course, that does not get us off the hook and I'd be as stupid as I'd be irresponsible to forget the impact of last week's admonitions. I feel that the Gospel provides a realistic model, describing as it does, that the … Continue Reading

...more liturgy posts

From the Abbot’s Lectio Notebook

Isaiah speaks of the Lord providing a feast of rich foods and choice wines—and in this way mirrors Jesus’ feeding the large and hungry crowd. However, there is something significantly different in these two events. The God who provides a feast of rich foods and choice wines might be said to be one who knows of hunger and thirst only in an intellectual manner. In contrast, Jesus as the Incarnate … 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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