The response to our publishing a Benedictine/monastic/cistercian reading list has been outstanding so you better hurry up and get your copy before we run out!  Oh, wait…it’s digital…we can’t run out!  Never mind… But you are going to want to get your copy of the list. Email to companions@virginiatrappists.org and put ‘reading list’ in the subject box […]

As promised, the brothers have assembled the most comprehensive list EVER of Benedictine and monastic books, web sites etc. for your reading pleasure.  We know many of our friends work hard to separate the good stuff from the not so good stuff and the monks of the abbey have done the work for you!  But […]

One of the things we have begun to do is make more monastic/Cistercian/Benedictine resources available for the asking.  You have already heard about our Rhythm of Monastic Prayer Based on  the Divine Office which gives you a good idea how the Office works and how you can use your Bible to pray the Office with […]

One great thing about Cistercian monasteries is we are different in size (buildings and humans) and different in our work (fruitcakes, caskets, beer) but we are the same in our horarium, or order of the Divine Office.  The time might be slightly off—in Berryville the monks pray Vigils at 3:30 am, in Conyers they pray […]

This morning as I left my room in the monastery after Vigils the sun was coming up and I was again struck by the unbelievable beauty we are surrounded by here at Our Lady of the Holy Cross.  This picture-taken with my Galaxy tablet in panoramic format (don’t ask me, I just push the buttons) […]

When we introduced our new Sustainers Program we expected there would be good response to this simple method of contributing to the monastery.  Our friends are telling us they appreciate the ease with which they can make their gift on a monthly basis. One such friend is Ellen Whitestone.  Ellen has been coming to the […]

Two early registrants for the September Monastic Immersion Weekend have had to cancel and reschedule for November.  That means there are two spots still open for September 28-30.  For information and a full schedule send email to companions@virginiatrappists.org.  The weekend will give men a chance to fully ‘immerse’ themselves in the monastic community and rhythm.  […]

Any complex as old as ours requires constant updating and renovation.  It also, sometimes, requires even more than general maintenance to keep the buildings well taken care of. We are at that point now and a committee of monks, including Fr. Joseph and Br. Christopher with the able assistance of a long time friend and donor […]

Recently we announced our new Sustainers Program in the Spring newsletter.  This program, for donors who make their gifts through their credit or debit card or pledge a gift on a regular basis, helps us know just how much income we will have each month from contributions.  As with any nonprofit, we live and die […]

As part of our Vocations Strategy we have instituted two Monastic Immersion Weekends.  These weekends, that require full ‘immersion’ into the life here at the abbey are scheduled for September 28-30 and November 9-11.  The September weekend for men only has a few slots left…register soon if you are interested.  Below is the full summary and […]