Readings: Acts 4:32-35; Philippians 4:4-9; John 17:20-26 One of the corrective measures during the post-Vatican II period of Cistercian renewal was the moderation of some of the Order’s ascetic practices as well as the reevaluation of the attitudes and spiritual perspectives that motivated these practices. And in this the Order was seen as reclaiming some […]

The titles I’m about to mention aren’t new to these posts; they’ve both been mentioned in lists of suggested Lenten Books. And anyone who has made a retreat at the Abbey may have heard selections from them during their visit. I’ve revived Br. Stephen’s custom of reading at one of the meals to our guests; […]

Readings: Genesis 18:20-32; Colossians 2:12-14; Luke 11:1-13 The community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Fr. James presiding and preaching.

Readings: Genesis 18:1-10; Colossians 1:24-18; Luke 10:38-42 The community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Fr. Vincent Collins presiding and preaching.

If the high temperatures are upon us and the weather reports keep mentioning possible thunder storms, you know that we are deep into the summer. That means it will be over before you know it and if it’s going by that quickly you risk letting another summer go by without retreat time at Holy Cross Abbey. […]

Readings: Deuteronomy 30:10-14; Colossians 1:15-20; Luke 10:25-37 The Mass reading and scriptural theme we have been given for this Sunday’s celebration is very special. We don’t often get such a homogenous combination. The Gospel from Saint Luke is one of the most important readings we can have in a Sunday Mass. And combing it with […]

Readings: Isaiah 66:10-14; Galatians 6:14-18; Luke 10:1-12, 17-20 It has sometimes been claimed that the quality, fervor and authenticity of monastic life can be gauged by the food served in the monastery’s refectory. Accordingly, frugal fare suggests a fervent community in living connection with its ascetic monastic roots, whereas a sumptuous menu all but guarantees […]

Readings: Acts 4:32-35; Philippians 4:4-9; John 17:20-26 The community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Fr. Joseph Wittstock presiding and preaching. There will be no 7:00 AM Mass integrated with Lauds as would usually occur on a Monday. It is a non-work day for the monks and we follow the Sunday schedule. Benediction of the Most […]

Readings: Deuteronomy 30:10-14; Colossians 1:15-20; Luke 10:25-37 The community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Abbot Robert Barnes presiding and preaching.

I need truth that I may not be able to hide from the Word of God and grace that I may not wish to hide. Indeed, without both of these, his visitation would not be complete, for the stark reality of truth would be intolerable without grace, and the gladness of grace might appear intolerable without truth. […]