The Lay Cistercians of Holy Cross Abbey observed their annual retreat, 24 through 26 May, at Holy Cross Abbey. On Saturday, after Midday Prayer, The professed members renewed their private vows.
Abbot Robert reminded them that our life centers on the mystery of God; in centuries past we have attempted to say much, perhaps even too much, about that mystery. Ultimately we must be silent before the immensity of that Reality ever calling us to be more. All Cistercians, in the monastery or in the laity, draw on a rich tradition of silence, wonder and adoration before the living mystery of God. Nonetheless, we dare, following the teaching of the Cistercian Abbot, Baldwin of Ford (+1190) to root our community living in the Trinity itself, a community of Persons. He urged the Lay Cistercians and the members of the monastic community to ever ask for more from God, to never be satisfied but to hunger for more of God and begin, now, to assume the beatitude of eternal life, when we shall grow from glory to glory.
Saturday afternoon, the Lay Cistercians joined the monks in chanting Vespers together.
George Alexa says
As a new member of the lay cistercian I am still on a high from our retreat. Thanks for a wonderful time.
Maureen Normann says
Thank you, Father James! Just a slight clarification. We do not renew our promises because they do not expire. We reaffirm them annually as part of our community retreat.