26 January, The Founders of Citeaux: Genesis 12:1-4; Acts 4:32-35; Mark 10:17-30 The few historical sources describing the struggle to establish Citeaux tell us little of the subjective attitudes of Robert, Alberic or Stephan—very few medieval documents pay attention to such sentiments. I can easily imagine, though, there were days they wondered what they had […]
Conversion of Saint Paul
In our contemporary American usage, “Sir” is a form of address intended to convey respect and, at the same time, is usually reserved for persons we either don’t know or don’t know very well. And it is in this sense that Saul (whom we also know as Paul) initially addresses Jesus as “Sir” during his […]
COVID at the Monastery Update
We are grateful to be able to inform you that all the brothers have recovered from the recent outbreak of Covid in the community. Accordingly, the Monastery Chapel and the Gift Shop, are once again open to the public. We thank you for your concern and the support of your prayers during this time of […]
Fr. James’ Homily for Christmas Day
Christmas Day Mass, Isaiah 52:7-10; Hebrews 1:1-5; John 1:1-18 The Light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. This verse is a token of hope today when too many people surrender to fear, doubt or passivity. We are indeed confronted by formidable obstacles. A glance at the news reminds us that […]
Christmas and New Year Mass Times
Holy Mass at the Abbey on Christmas Eve (Dec 24) will be at 8.30 p.m. Holy Mass on Christmas Day, will be at 10.00 a.m. The Monks will be following the usual Sunday Schedule. Holy Mass at the Abbey on New Year’s Day (Jan 1) will be at 10.00 a.m. The Monks will be following […]
Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent
Flexibility, the ability to change, and an authentic spirit of detachment are all essential elements in effective and reliable discernment of God’s will. For, it is when we are rigid, anxious about change, and inordinately attached that discernment becomes virtually impossible. According to today’s gospel Saint Joseph seems to have possessed flexibility, the ability to […]
Fr. James’ Reflection for December 19
Thursday, 19 DEC, 2024: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Lk 1:5-25 Remember this Gospel tomorrow when we hear about the Annunciation to Mary. Both Gospels share a similar structure but, what distinguishes Zachariah from Mary? Is my righteousness, like Zechariah’s, a substitute for trust in God? Has it degenerated into an attempt to control reality and contain […]
Additional Gift Shop Hours
In addition to the usual hours, the Gift Shop will also be open on the following Wednesday afternoons from 2.15 until 4.15 Wednesday, December 4 Wednesday, December 11 Wednesday, December 18 Those hoping to purchase Fruitcakes from our Gift Shop need to know that we are ALL SOLD OUT AS OF Sunday, December 15th. However, […]
FRUITCAKES SOLD OUT
Those hoping to purchase Fruitcakes from our Gift Shop need to know that we are ALL SOLD OUT AS OF Sunday, December 15th. However, at time of writing, cakes can still be purchased online at monasteryfruitcake.org
The Immaculate Conception
In the passion account of Saint Luke, we are told that in the course of his agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, an angel was sent to strengthen and comfort Jesus as his undependable friends lay asleep a stone’s throw away. There is no record of any similar heavenly consolation during the actual crucifixion as […]