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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News

Renovation underway

The building to the east of the Cool Spring House is one we call the “Old Dorm.” Its name derives from its original use as the primary dormitory for the monks during the early decades of Holy Cross Abbey. With the construction of two other dormitories the “Old Dorm” has, in recent years, become little more than a storage facility. Given the limited space (in the Cool Spring House) for receiving … Continue Reading

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Liturgy

Reflection for Thursday of the 19th Week

Readings Ezekiel 12:1-12; Matthew 18:21-19:1 I don't think that the first debtor in today's parable realizes that he's been forgiven. My suspicion is that he only understands that his strategy was successful. Perhaps he's the sort of individual who feels he shouldn't have to suffer the consequences of his choices. I say this because he takes such offense at someone indebted to him for so … Continue Reading

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From the Abbot’s Lectio Notebook

Greatness and littleness seem to be mutually exclusive. Any yet in the spiritual realm, as we know, littleness paradoxically opens us to greatness. Once greatness is achieved, however, littleness must be preserved if true greatness is not to be lost. Bernard, often mistakenly (but understandably) thought to be the founder of our Order, is someone who managed to sustain this delicate balance … 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 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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