I come to your feet, most loving Father; behold my sins have made a separation between you and me. Ah! Have mercy on me according to the multitude of your mercy! Break the wall of my old way of life which keeps me from you; and drag me to you so vehemently that I may, […]
Brother Theodore begins his postulancy
Having recently spent three months within the community as an “observer,” Brother Theodore Berezuk (formerly Todd) has returned as a postulant to begin his initial period of formation. He joins Brothers Mark, John, and Richard in their continuing process of discernment and seeking the will of God for their lives. It has been a long […]
Gift Shop closed for the day
Friday, June 8, is the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, and is observed as a full monastic holy day. Accordingly, the Gift Shop will be closed all day Friday and will reopen on Saturday morning at 10.00 a.m. As usual, we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to our customers and visitors.
A Word from the Cistercian Fathers for June
You know that in a community of many it is impossible for all to be of the same strength, whether in body or in character, and so the authority of the Rule advises us to bear each weakness with patience, and charity requires us to stoop down somewhat to each. Some other person sees this, […]
Blessing of the Bells
On Ascension Sunday morning the heavy rain stopped, opportunely, just ten minutes before we were to bless our new bells. They are the generous gift of Br. David Schlatter OFM and formed part of a larger set of bells used at 9/11 commemoration services. Although the bells have been in use since late January we […]
Memorial of Mary, Mother of the Church
Readings: Acts 1:12-14; John 19:25-27 In mid-March, Pope Francis announced a new Memorial to be celebrated the Monday after Pentecost: Mary, the Mother of the Church. The Gospel tells us: Standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary, the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his […]
Blessing the Bells
Sunday, 13 May, the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord–and Mother’s Day–Abbot Joseph blessed the bells that have been presiding over our front lawn. As any visitor to the Abbey realizes, they have been there for several months and in use, but we were waiting for suitable weather for an outdoor ceremony–remember how cruel […]
Brother Richard’s Clothing
The glorious feast of the Ascension was the happy occasion of our Brother Richard’s clothing in the Cistercian Habit. He joins Brothers Mark and John in the novitiate for two further years of preparation for first vows. The reception of the habit is usually a moment of special grace, not only for the novice, but […]
Summer Retreats at the Abbey
As the end of the school year looms closer on the horizon, whether you’re a student or a teacher, this is a prime time to plan for some silent retreat time at Holy Cross Abbey. If you’re neither a student nor a teacher, this still may be a good time for a break, perhaps as […]
A Final Feline Update
I’m sure someone will be interested in this news, but this post is primarily a big Thank You Note to all the people who have helped us. First of all, our thanks to the five generous households who took in all six kittens. No kitten had to go to a lonely home–either they had the […]