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 […]
Elijah come among us
On Sunday morning we had the happy occasion of witnessing Brother Gregory Wilson receive the Cistercian Habit and formally begin his two-year novitiate. In keeping with a long monastic tradition, Brother Gregory felt led to take a new name—that of the great Prophet Elijah. We thank God for bringing Brother Elijah to this important juncture […]
Spiritual Direction Institute, Charlottesville
In years past, we’ve posted information about the Spiritual Direction Institute. As we do so again this year, let me remind our readers that this is also a good resource for those looking for a spiritual director. But let me present the announcement I have from SDI: Have you been searching for a way to […]
Retreat House Availability, 3 to 7 February
Due to a group cancellation we now have 12 more rooms available Monday afternoon through Friday morning, 3 to 7 February. To make a reservation, please call Carol Hensley, Monday through Friday at 540-955-4383 or email her at information@hcava.org.
Reflection on today’s Gospel by visiting Trappist, Fr. Dominique-Savio Nelson of Guadalupe Abbey, Oregon.
In today’s Gospel pericope, Jesus calls Matthew to become his disciple. Jesus gazed at this man and said simply, “Follow me.” Did Jesus invite Matthew because the tax collector merited it? Was Jesus responding to some hidden longing in the sinner’s heart? Certainly not. Grace, by definition, comes unbidden and without explanation. In Caravaggio’s magnificent […]