True petition does not reside in words spoken by the mouth but rather in thoughts of the heart. It is not our words, you see, that constitute the strongest voices in the presence of the most hidden ears of God, but our desires. If we ask with our mouths for eternal life but do not […]
A Word from our Cistercian Fathers
This is the mystery, brothers, this is the great sacrament of the Lord’s cross, for in it we have those four virtues. Let surpassing charity be at the head; let obedience be on the right side – it makes children of the right hand; let patience be on the left side – which we must […]
A Word from the Cistercian Fathers
Anyone who wishes to come after me, through me, to me. After me because I am Truth, through me because I am the way, to me because I am the life. Any who wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. Christ, the power of God […]
A Word from the Cistercian Fathers
But what good does it do to point out the dangers [of the devil] without pointing out also some consolation, some remedy that can be applied? The peril indeed is great, and grave is the struggle … Great, too, are the stakes, for we have frequent – no, continuous – fights against the tricks of […]
Fr. James’ Homily for the Seventh Sunday, Year C
Readings: 1 Samuel 26:7-9, 12-13, 22-23; 1 Corinthians 15:45-49; Luke 6:27-38 Today Jesus challenges each and every one of us to love our enemies. I have met people who believed they loved everyone but I’ve never met anyone who didn’t have difficulties loving his or her enemy. There’s no reason why it shouldn’t be so. […]
Spending Holy Week at the Retreat House?
If you are planning to make a retreat during Holy Week, please contact us soon. We still have rooms available, but want to make sure you get your space. The dates are Wednesday, April 17 through Sunday, April 21, 2019. The telephone number is 540 955 4383 or e-mail at information@hcava.org. Thank you and we’ll […]
Chapel Renovation Wins Global Award
As delighted as we all are with the outcome of our recent chapel renovation, corroboration of our positive sentiments by those outside the community is always welcome—not least when this is offered by experts in the field. Recently, our architect and friend, Tim Machado received the 2018 Award for Liturgical/Interior Design for his work on […]
Retreat House will close for July, reopen in August
We will not be taking reservations for the Retreat House for July this year – we are closing for the month of July so we can perform long-term maintenance projects and our employees will take their vacations. We will be closed Monday, July 1 through Friday, August 2. The Retreat House will re-open for the […]
Saturday, 26 January: Feast of the Founders of Citeaux
Saturday is the Feast of the Founders of Citeaux, Saints Robert, Alberic and Stephan. It is a non work day for the monks and the community Mass is celebrated at 10:00 AM, Abbot Joseph presiding and preaching.
Fr. James’ Homily for the Second Sunday, Year C
Readings: Isaiah 62:1-5; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; John 2:1-11 We’ve been listening to these readings for decades: recall that water fills John’s Gospel. From John’s baptism, in the first chapter, to today’s Gospel in the next; from the end of Chapter Three when Jesus and John are both baptizing, on to Jesus at Jacob’s well in […]