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 […]
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.
Br. John’s Profession of Vows
Following on the joyful celebration of Br. Elijah’s reception of the habit earlier in the month, this last Sunday was yet another cause for celebration and gratitude to God as Br. John Blaschik pronounced his First Vows. Having completed his first three years of formation, Br. John now continues his preparation for Final Vows, three […]
Ash Wednesday and a Mass Time change on Friday, February 28
We initiate the holy Lenten Season with our annual Ash Wednesday Mass at 7.30 a.m. on February 26. There will be the customary imposition of ashes as we pray to open our hearts to the special graces of this penitential season in preparation for the joyful celebration of Our Lord’s Resurrection. Also, a Mass Time […]
Wednesday of the 6th Week
That purity of heart without which we cannot see God is also the same purity of heart that enables us to truly see one another. Many of our interpersonal conflicts are the result of viewing others through the distorting lenses imposed by our still unpurified hearts. Thus, like the man in today’s gospel—who saw people […]
Fr. James’ Homily for the Sixth Sunday
In today’s Gospel there’s probably something to make each of us wince. It’s evidently an important passage, located as it is after the Beatitudes. In a sense, today’s Gospel might be a practical guide for living the beatitudes; but that makes it no more pleasant to hear. If you feel you’ve never […]
Saturday of the 5th Week
Saint Augustine reminds us that our prayers of petition are not to inform God of needs we have and of which he is unaware. Instead, says Augustine, our petitions are a way of preparing our hearts to receive what God already knows we need and wishes to give us. Jesus exemplifies this in the feeding […]