On Saturday, June 17, our monastic community had the special joy and grace of celebrating the Profession of Final Vows by our Brother, Mary John Blaschik. This solemn ceremony occurred in the presence of Brother John’s family, close friends, and other monastic guests. It was significant for the monastic community in that it was the […]
A Word from Our Cistercian Fathers
But as for me, whatever is lacking in my own resources I appropriate for myself from the heart of the Lord, which overflows with mercy. And there is no lack of clefts by which they are poured out. … But the nail that pierced him has become for me a key unlocking the sight of […]
Gift Shop on Saturday alert:
Please be advised that the Gift Shop will be closed for the next two Saturday mornings. That is, on June 10 and June 17. However, on both those days the Gift Shop will still be open in the afternoon from 2.15 until 4.15. Then, from Saturday, June 24, onwards the Gift Shop will be open, […]
Abbot Joseph’s Homily for the Ascension
The Ascension, although not quite the culminating solemnity of this glorious Easter Season is one in which we come back full circle—back to where it all began: In a garden, standing before a tree laden with forbidden fruit. As we know, our First Parents defied our Creator’s command and, at the Ancient Serpent’s beguiling suggestion, […]
Fr. James’ Homily for the 6th Sunday of Easter
Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year A, 14 May, 2023: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17; 1 Peter 3:15-18; John 14:15-21 Our Mass Readings shift the focus from the event of Jesus’ Resurrection to his progress through the Ascension to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. What this indicates is that we are wrapped up in the […]
Fifth Week of Easter
Notwithstanding the total gratuitousness of God’s grace and salvation, the peace that Christ offers does come at a price—namely, living in total harmony with God’s will. Or, as Jesus expressed it: Doing just as the Father has commanded me. In contrast, the peace that the world offers, depends on realities outside ourselves and, especially, on […]
Fourth Week of Easter
Philip, to see me is to see the Father: To look upon the face of Christ and see the Father, has little to do with gazing upon his physical features—however noble these may be. Rather, it is to behold in every action and in his every word, the Love that is the Father’s very essence […]
Fr. James’ Scripture Reflection
Monday, 1 May, St. Joseph the Worker: Genesis 1:26-2:3; Matthew 13:54-58 The Book of Genesis reminds us that work is our humble collaboration with God’s creativity. But Matthew’s Gospel depicts the dangers of identifying a person with his work or family: because his neighbors only know Jesus as the carpenter’s son, they can’t accept him […]
Friday, 3rd Week of Easter
As Cistercians we are well aware of Saint Benedict’s warnings against bitter zeal—the kind that fueled Saint Paul’s earlier persecution of the church. It is well to remember, however, that the spiritual energy associated with zeal is fundamentally neutral. It is the objects or goals towards which zeal is directed that determine if it is […]
Fr. James’ Homily for 2nd Sunday of Easter
Low Sunday, 16 April, 2023: Acts: 2:42-47; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31 Well over a century-and-a-half ago, George MacDonald, a Scottish clergyman and novelist, wrote, “Seeing is not believing.” He was referring to today’s Gospel. I agree. Thomas may say: Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put […]