The final Chapter of Pope Francis’ Encyclical is entitled Ecological Education and Spirituality. After reviewing the enormity of the challenges facing us, the serious damage we have done–continue to do–that is, after acknowledging how destructive we can be, Pope Francis reminds us that as human beings we also have an incredible capacity for change, for good, […]
Prime Openings In The Retreat House During October
We’ve noticed over the past decades that everyone wants a reservation at the Retreat House during October. And we never wonder why: the weather is ideal, the humidity is low, the frost has come and pollen and gnats have disappeared…And perhaps the changing foliage has something to do with it too. Even rainy days feel cozy and […]
Monastic Immersion Weekend Begins Today
Ten men will spend two full days with the monastic community starting today. This Monastic Immersion Weekend, our seventh since beginning a few years ago, will welcome our 100th participant since the program began. Above are just two items participants receive-one for fun (the hat, obviously) and one serious, the Abbey Crucifix which is […]
Laudato Si’; Part Six
In his introduction to his Encyclical, Pope Francis mentions that certain themes will reappear in the various chapters, each time viewing them from a different perspective or context. I hope it strikes even a casual reader how frequently he quotes teaching on caring for the environment from the various national conferences of bishops. Apart from […]
Laudato Si’, Part Five
This post continues a guide to reading the encyclical, picking up at Chapter Three. Chapter Three: The Human Roots of the Ecological Crisis. In a challenging Encyclical, this may be a big hurdle for many Americans. If you follow the European press on this topic, you’ll find the explanation to European readers again and again, “…in the […]
September MIW Open Now to Women Too
Because there have been five cancellations for the MIW and for the first time we don’t have a waiting list, the brothers have agreed to open the September 11-13, 2015 MIW to women also to participate.. Usually we have a men/women MIW in the Spring and a men’s in September. But with so many open […]
Laudato, Si, Part Four: Organization of the Text
This post will not be conceptual, as have been the previous posts on Pope Francis’ Encyclical, but more organizational. In what sense.? Given that the conventional printed format, the text runs some 177 pages. The average reader may find it daunting to read it straight through. It could help to focus on what interests you the […]
MIW almost full-scholarship offered
We actually call each Monastic Immersion Weekend group a ‘class’ since we only have two MIWs a year. We also say, after you attend that you have been ‘crossed’ because you receive a new Holy Cross Abbey crucifix from the Abbot your first night here in a fairly moving ceremony at the high altar in […]
How the Special Afternoon Event on 1 August Unfolded
As had been announced last week, Holy Cross Abbey held a special reception to introduce friends of the Abbey to the Film Project, Saving Grace, Saving Place, beginning with a Mass at 2:30 PM. Abbot Robert Barnes celebrated the Mass with Fr. Maurice concelebrating and Br. Efrain serving as acolyte. Abbot Robert welcomed our guests–42 had […]
“Saving Grace, Saving Place”, a special event at Holy Cross Abbey
Saturday afternoon, 1 August at 2:30 PM, a Mass will be offered by Abbot Robert Barnes for guests interested in supporting the film-in-progress, Saving Grace, Saving Place. The film by filmmaker and producers, George Patterson and Deidra Dain traces the Abbey’s commitment to sustainable stewardship of the environment. The Mass will be followed by a […]