Seventy years ago, today, the founding monks of Holy Cross Abbey arrived in Virginia from our Motherhouse in Massachusetts. We were founded at a time when great numbers of young men were entering our monasteries. Indeed, our founding was a consequence of this happy phenomenon that stands in such marked contrast to the smaller numbers of men and women seeking entrance into our monasteries. However, the ebb and flow of monastic vocations is not something new to monasticism—as the long history of the Cistercian Order shows.
The celebration of this milestone in our history is, like so much else, being impacted by COVID-19 and will be a simple monastic occasion—assisted by a contingent of our Sisters from Our Lady of the Angels Monastery (Crozet) who are joining us for the celebration. But please join us in prayerful thanksgiving for the many graces and blessings that God has showered on this community these last seventy years. May we continue to respond to God’s grace and mercy calling us to the fullness of Life in the Joy of the Spirit—the same Spirit that overshadowed and filled Our blessed Mother, Our Lady of the Holy Cross.
Timothy McNelis says
Enjoy your celebration and lets hope and pray for 70 more years.
Dan Walters, OSB says
Happy Anniversary, Holy Cross Abbey!
Bernard Bowling says
I am so grateful that you continue to be a part of my spiritual journey. Many more!!!!!!
Joan Wylie says
Happy anniversary, Holy Cross brothers!
Vicky says
Thank you for your willingness to share this wonderful news with us, who, from so many walks of life, have been able to share in your communal life to whatever degree. Congratulations! We pray with and for the beloved community of Holy Cross Abbey.
Andrew says
Congratulations! Ad multos annos!
Peggy Anderson says
Congratulations on celebrating 70 years of Holy Cross Abbey! What a gift your presence has been and continues to be. God’s peace to all!
James Alexander says
Congratulations from your Anglican Brother. Your abbey is such a part of my spiritual journey and pursuit of a closer relationship with Our Lord.
William Peak says
You have made such a difference in my life. Thank you for the first 70 years.
Sr. Dorothy Giloley ssj says
To all the monks :
How wonderful that you are celebrating your 70 th Anniversary! What a blessing
that your presence continues to be ! I am forever grateful for the retreats I have made and look so forward to being able to come again !! May the Lord continue to bless all of you .
In gratitude and prayer,
Kathleen & Joe says
Holy Cross Abbey was a destination and experience of God’s presence for about 60 years to Kathleen and I. All our family of 33 has been touched through your ministry. Congratulations! Our hope is for the continued presence of the vibrant community that has produced such abundant fruit!