We are happy to report that the stained glass window (featuring the three angels) has been reinstalled in our chapel after being meticulously and expertly restored. The window was the final detail of our chapel renovation (begun in 2016) allowing us to now declare the renovation complete! We take this opportunity to, once again, thank […]
Reflection for 5 January, the Memorial of St. John Neumann
Readings: 1 John 3:11-21; John 1:43-51 In the light of current events, both in the Church and politics, I believe it’s worthwhile to consider the contribution of Bishop John Neumann (1811-1860). He was an unassuming man from a humble background who profited from a solid education. He lived in very different circumstances than our own: […]
A Word from the Cistercian Fathers for Epiphany
It is to Christ that the guiding star leads us, proclaiming him and pointing him out. It proclaims him in its appearing and points him out by going ahead and standing over the house where he is. Now the star which leads us to Jesus is sacred scripture. Behold, our light has already come because […]
Reflection for 29 December
Readings: 1 John 2:3-11; Luke 2:22-35 The older I grow, the more I appreciate the sense of fulfilment expressed by Simeon’s Canticle. Having hopes is a risky business; and carrying hopes into old age is a tricky business. Should I define my hopes too narrowly, if I limit my expectations to my specifications, I could […]
CHRISTMAS GREETINGS
On this great Feast of our Savior’s Birth, we wish you all the love, joy, and peace our Newborn Savior brings. May his comforting and protecting presence accompany and sustain you all in the year ahead. We thank you for your kind Christmas greetings, prayers, and unfailing generosity to our community. Abbot Joseph and the […]
Retreat House Closed for the Christmas Holidays
The Retreat House will be closed from 23 through 31 December; reservations are closed for 21 through 30 December. This break will allow our employees to have a holiday with their families and allow time for certain maintenance projects to be completed.
Reflection for 17 December
Readings: Genesis 49:2, 8-10; Matthew 1:1-17 If the problematic personalities forming the lineage of Jesus aren’t familiar to you, it’s well worth your effort to thumb through the Second Book of Kings and check out some of these characters. And however genuine his royal ancestry may be, Jesus was never crowned by anything but that […]
Fraters sold out; plenty of fruitcakes left
Our popular chocolate-covered fruitcake muffins are sold out and won’t be available until the New Year. To those hoping to purchase these delicacies, we apologize, and trust that some of the other items we sell will serve as worthy substitutes. Please be assured that there is still a plenteous supply of our Truffles and fruitcakes—both […]
Last Minute Openings at the Retreat House for this Week
This week, we have an unusual partial week schedule at the Retreat House, open from Wednesday at 3:00 PM through Friday, 9:30 AM, 12 to 14 December; due to cancellations, there are now some last minute openings for anyone who realizes that they need some retreat time before the holiday madness. To book a reservation, […]
A Word from the Cistercian Fathers for December
A voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord. Before anything else I think we should consider the grace of the desert, the blessedness of the desert, which right from the beginning of grace has deserved to be consecrated to the repose of the saints. The voice of one crying […]