Last Monday, 30 March, before the Governor’s order to stay home, a very small party gathered in Cool Spring natural Cemetery. The air was warm, the sky was cloudless, wild mint, violets and daffodils blossomed in the dappled sunlight under the trees. The birds were singing and butterflies fluttered. I think it was the […]
Thursday of the 5th Week of Lent
Psychological narcissism does what Christ expressly says he does not do, namely, glorify himself. Instead, he explains, it is my Father who glorifies me. This is a reminder that even if we are not overtly narcissistic we may still find ourselves looking to others for approval, affirmation, and a sense of self-worth. And whereas this […]
Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent
There is a significant difference between being trusting and being naïve. Jeremiah seems to have still been a blend of both naiveté and trust. Not having attained complete trust in God (and remaining somewhat naïve) he was taken by surprise at the treachery of his enemies—despite acknowledging that the Lord had informed him of their […]
Solemnity of the Annunciation
Although for centuries commentators and homilists have written and spoken of Mary’s so-called “yes” to the Angel Gabriel’s announcement, it is worth recalling that the angel didn’t actually phrase the announcement in the form of a question but rather in the form of a simple statement: You will conceive in your womb and bear a […]
Fr. James’ Homily for the 4th Sunday of Lent
Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents? Human experience has become so intertwined with sin that none of us are untouched by it and the question seems valid. But it’s really an attempt to exonerate myself: if it’s this blind man’s sin or his parents’ sin, it’s not my sin. But what […]
Corona Virus Measures
In support of all the crucial efforts to limit the spread of the Corona Virus please be aware that we have suspended public access to our daily masses here at the abbey. Also, as noted in an earlier post, the Gift Shop and Retreat House are closed until further notice. Updates and changes to the […]
Fr. James’ Homily for the First Sunday of Lent
Temptation is not a symptom of a nature, crippled by contingency; angels can be tempted. Being tempted proves of what I am made, who I really am. Jesus’ temptations are by no means a pious charade with a guaranteed conclusion. They constitute a genuine test revealing who he is, corresponding to his actual […]
A Word from Our Cistercian Fathers
During this Lent we must truly seek with greater fervor that which is not just a part but is the entire mystery of this whole season. Therefore if perhaps your zeal has somewhat abated during recent days, it is fitting that you rekindle your fervor of spirit. If only the belly has sinned, let it alone fast, and that […]
Pastoral Visit of Bishop Burbidge
It was joy, a grace, and an honor to receive a Pastoral Visit from our Bishop, Michael Burbidge (accompanied by Fr. Joseph Farrell), this last Friday. After celebrating the Eucharist and challenging us to a fruitful participation in the graces of the Lenten Season, Bishop Michael was given a tour of the monastery, before addressing […]
Days when the Gift Shop will be closed
Please Note: The annual retreat of the monks will take place during the first week of March. The Gift Shop will thus be closed from Wednesday morning, March 4, through Saturday, March 7 and will reopen on Sunday morning, as usual, at 11.00 a.m.