Unlike the man in Jesus’ parable who began building a tower and was unable to complete it, we have finally completed our new bell-tower. This final touch was the dressing with stone of the base and foundation of the tower. And although this doesn’t add much to the strength and stability of the tower, it […]
A Silent Retreat at Holy Cross Abbey
From a recent guest:
Gift Shop Closing Days
Please Note: The Gift Shop will be closed all day Thursday July 11 in honor of the Solemnity of Our Father, Saint Benedict, and will reopen on Friday morning at 10.00 a.m.
A Word from the Cistercian Fathers
“ ….in the seven appearances [of the Lord] that we read took place after the resurrection we can find the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. Take the first the spirit of fear: an angel came down from heaven as the holy women were coming to the tomb, and the earth shook, so that they […]
Word from the Fathers
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 […]