Mass with the blessing and distribution of ashes will be celebrated at 7:00 AM, Wednesday, 22 February, 2012. Abbot Robert Barnes will preside. On Ash Wednesday, following the Constitutions of the Order, the monastic community fasts on bread and water (in the houses of our Order in Asia or Africa, the local equivalent of bread […]

“How can I begin reading the Cistercian fathers?” That people ask this question in the first place demonstrates that we are aware that we’re approaching a different kind of reading material. Is the content complicated, opaque? Is the style elaborate and archaic? Is their world-view too different from ours to make sense to a contemporary […]

Since the end of the last century there’s been a lively interest in all things Celtic, especially in the USA. You probably don’t need to be told that there’s no lack of fantasy and wishful thinking in some “reconstructions” of Celtic traditions. At times you may scratch your head and wonder, “Should I believe any of […]

In realizing our goals for ecological sustainability–and our own financial sustainability–we have been branching out into new ventures. Mark and Kate Zurschmeide and the rest of the team from Great Country Farms will be extending their operations to a part of our property. “The monastic community at Holy Cross Abbey is very pleased to partner with […]

Thank you to everyone who has responded to the website in general or the NEWS specifically. It’s very helpful to read your comments and receive your support, interest and suggestions. So far, I’ve received your reactions by word-of-mouth or email, which is fine. Should you wish to share your reactions with other followers of this website, […]

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B. Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM. The Principal Celebrant and Homilist is Fr. Vincent Collins

It’s important to be realistic about Lenten Reading. If you’re the sort of person who has trouble finishing things, you may want to set modest goals. If your life is usually invaded by the unexpected, you may not want to start a book that’s too demanding. If you live alone and are young enough, even […]

This will be the first list of suggested reading for Lent. If you’re a very busy person, you may only have time for a few sentences a day. That can be VERY nourishing and support a habit of daily reading.                From Thomas Merton: Opening the Bible, Liturgical Press, 1970; 84 pages                                        What Is Contemplation? Templegate Publishers, 1981, 77 […]

Lent is just a week away. In our monastery–as in monasteries everywhere–we follow the practice of Lenten Reading prescribed by St. Benedict in his Rule. In Chapter 48 he writes: “During this time of Lent each one is to receive a book from the library, and is to read the whole of it straight through. These […]

People still ask Trappists about the “vow of silence”. For example, “Since Vatican II, do you still take a vow of silence?” In fact there never was a vow of silence and maintaining perpetual silence could not constitute approriate matter for a public vow. Silence is a monastic value, not a purely Trappist trimming on the […]