Memorial of Saint Gregory the Great: In reflecting on our first reading, it is worth noting that Paul doesn’t say that if anyone among you considers himself wise, let him realize that he is a fool, but rather let him become a fool, so as to become wise. Becoming a fool is not about unplugging […]
A Word from Our Cistercian Fathers
“After he had declared his obedience, Jesus revealed to us his glory, saying, ‘I will sing and give praise in my glory: arise, psaltery and harp!’ The psaltery and harp [symbolize] the joy and exultation of his glorious resurrection, and the song and the psalm [symbolize] praise and thanksgiving for this same glory. Christ will […]
Tuesday of the 22nd Week: Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation
On this day when we are called to pray for the care of creation, we must also pray for forgiveness—for the many ways in which we ourselves have failed to care for the world God has entrusted to us. It is all too easy to think only of governments, large industries, power companies, and other […]
A Word from Our Cistercian Fathers
I said above that God is the reason for loving God. That is right, for he is the efficient and final cause of our love. He offers the opportunity, creates the affection, and consummates the desire. He makes, or rather is made himself lovable. He hopes to be so happily loved that he will not be […]
Greetings from Holy Cross Abbey
Our Monastery Chapel is open to the public for Daily Holy Mass and all the Divine Offices from 3.30 a.m., until 7.45 p.m. The Gift Shop is open on the following days and times: Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, from 2.15 until 4.15. On Saturdays the Gift Shop is also open from 10.00 – 12.00 Noon, […]
Memorial of Saint John Mary Vianney
“Hitting rock bottom”—a phrase familiar to those who have emerged fruitfully from serious addictions—can also describe a decisive moment in our spiritual lives and in our struggle against the compulsions of sin. The Lord, speaking through Jeremiah, portrays this moment starkly: your wound is incurable, your bruise grievous, and there is no remedy for your […]
Our Bishop’s Visit
This Wednesday, August 5, Bishop Michael Burbidge will be making his annual Pastoral Visit to our monastery. And thus, Holy Mass will be celebrated at 10.00 a.m., on Wednesday morning.
Thursday of the 17th Week of the Year
Saint Paul in writing to Saint Timothy reassures him that although we are unfaithful, God remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself. Paraphrasing these consoling words, we might say that although we may give up on ourselves, God never gives up on us. Accordingly, like the potter, who tries again and again when the object […]
Abbot Joseph’s Homily for the 17th Sunday
The Church’s long history is filled with men and women who, like the figures in today’s gospel, gave up everything to obtain the treasure in the field or the pearl of great price. Whether Saint Anthony of the Desert, Saint Martin of Tours, Saint Bernard, or the poor man of Assisi, we are struck not […]
Abbot Joseph’s Homily for the 15th Sunday
As we know, the starting positions for runners in Olympic track events are staggered to compensate for the different lengths of each lane—the inner lanes being slightly shorter than the outer ones. Unfortunately, when it comes to our spiritual lives, running that race—which Saint Paul completed so magnificently—similar allowances or compensations are not offered. Instead, […]