Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. A peaceful person repays good for good, as far as in him lies, and wishes harm to no one. Someone else may be patient and repay no one evil for evil, being even able to bear with the one who hurts him. There […]
A New Member
On Tuesday evening, (after completing two weeks in quarantine), Br. Paul Smith was welcomed into the community during a brief induction ceremony after Vespers. This initiated his one-year postulancy which will be followed by a two-year novitiate. Br. Paul is from Norristown, Pennsylvania where, up until recently, he served as a psychiatric nurse in the […]
A Word from our Cistercian Fathers
Therefore every soul should look upon God as being his very own, not only helper, but also examiner. Who could ever become careless if he had his eyes constantly fixed upon God whose eyes are constantly turned towards him? Again, when God is looking down on him, never at any moment failing to see what […]
A Word from our Cistercian Fathers
Through Christ [God] forgives everything, through the Spirit he charges us with nothing.… And so Christ is in a certain sense the mediator for justice, while the Spirit is the mediator for friendship. Christ mediates for truth, the Spirit for charity; Christ for forgiveness, the Spirit for safeguarding; Christ for mercy, the Spirit for perseverance; […]
A Word from our Cistercian Fathers
Tribulation which produces endurance is useful; it leads to glory. I am with him in trouble, he says, I will rescue him and glorify him. Let us give thanks to the Father of mercies who is with us in tribulation and consoles us in all our tribulations. …. The hope of glory lies in tribulation, […]
A Word from Our Cistercian Fathers
Christian, learn from Christ how you ought to love Christ. Learn a love that is tender, wise, strong; love with tenderness, not with passion, wisdom, not foolishness, and strength, lest you become weary and turn away from the love of the Lord. Do not let the glory of the world or the pleasure of the […]
Maddie MacNeil 1940 – 2020
Last Monday, 30 March, before the Governor’s order to stay home, a very small party gathered in Cool Spring natural Cemetery. The air was warm, the sky was cloudless, wild mint, violets and daffodils blossomed in the dappled sunlight under the trees. The birds were singing and butterflies fluttered. I think it was the […]
Retreat House Closing Till Further Notice
In Response to the Corona Virus, to safeguard your health and that of the monastic community, we will close the Retreat House Friday, 20 March, 2020. If you already made a reservation, Carol Hensley has telephoned you or will be telephoning you. You may request to have your deposit returned or we can retain your […]
Days when the Gift Shop will be closed
Please Note: The annual retreat of the monks will take place during the first week of March. The Gift Shop will thus be closed from Wednesday morning, March 4, through Saturday, March 7 and will reopen on Sunday morning, as usual, at 11.00 a.m.
Br. John’s Profession of Vows
Following on the joyful celebration of Br. Elijah’s reception of the habit earlier in the month, this last Sunday was yet another cause for celebration and gratitude to God as Br. John Blaschik pronounced his First Vows. Having completed his first three years of formation, Br. John now continues his preparation for Final Vows, three […]