Please note that the Gift Shop will be closed for Thanksgiving and will reopen on Friday morning, November 23. Also, we are happy to assure fruitcake lovers that we have an abundant supply of both the larger and smaller cakes—along with many other products from our various monasteries. And whereas the larger round cakes are […]

Many inquire about the fate of the beautiful stained-glass window that used to be at the back of the chapel. It is presently undergoing restoration in a very delicate and painstaking process that has taken longer than originally anticipated. However, the good news is that it will be perfectly restored and its return is expected […]

This week the renovation of the “old dorm” continued with some preliminary excavations to expose and then seal the foundations and lower walls which were allowing seepage into the basement. This important second phase of the renovation project will include installing more effective drainage for the rain run-off from the various roofs—run-off that has been […]

After several weeks of hard work the company carrying out the abatement and inner demolition work in our old dorm has completed its work. The completion of this first phase of the renovation project allows us a better sense of the space available and how this might suit our plans for the building. Our architect, […]

After nearly two years of patient discernment and prayer our Brother Mark Amaral has come to the realization that he is not called to cloistered Cistercian life. His initial plans are to move to Massachusetts in order to be nearer his family. We are grateful for Mark’s time with us and trust that his stay […]

The building to the east of the Cool Spring House is one we call the “Old Dorm.” Its name derives from its original use as the primary dormitory for the monks during the early decades of Holy Cross Abbey. With the construction of two other dormitories the “Old Dorm” has, in recent years, become little […]

Having recently spent three months within the community as an “observer,” Brother Theodore Berezuk (formerly Todd) has returned as a postulant to begin his initial period of formation. He joins Brothers Mark, John, and Richard in their continuing process of discernment and seeking the will of God for their lives. It has been a long […]

Friday, June 8, is the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, and is observed as a full monastic holy day. Accordingly, the Gift Shop will be closed all day Friday and will reopen on Saturday morning at 10.00 a.m. As usual, we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to our customers and visitors.

On Ascension Sunday morning the heavy rain stopped, opportunely, just ten minutes before we were to bless our new bells. They are the generous gift of Br. David Schlatter OFM and formed part of a larger set of bells used at 9/11 commemoration services. Although the bells have been in use since late January we […]

The glorious feast of the Ascension was the happy occasion of our Brother Richard’s clothing in the Cistercian Habit. He joins Brothers Mark and John in the novitiate for two further years of preparation for first vows. The reception of the habit is usually a moment of special grace, not only for the novice, but […]