Words which I spoke at the beginning of this night’s liturgy sum up our experience together. On this most holy of nights, our Lord Jesus Christ passed over from death to life: this is the Passover of the Lord. On this most holy night, the Church invites us, her faithful people, to come together to […]

Readings: Exodus 12:1-8,11-14; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-15 There is in the Eastern Church a well-known icon which has been given the name “Extreme Humility”. This icon depicts the crucified body of Jesus standing in his tomb. In our Western Church tradition we have the famous  Shroud of Turin, which is believed to be the […]

Readings: 2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16; Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22; Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24 It has frequently been observed that whereas Mary the Mother of Jesus speaks only rarely in the gospels, Joseph speaks not at all. And yet, doesn’t he? Fr. Edward of blessed memory was fond of quoting a Fulton Sheen saying according […]

O good Lord Jesus, from what great bitterness have you not freed me by your coming, time after time? When distress has made me weep, when untold sobs and groans have shaken me, have you not anointed my wounded my conscience with the ointment of your mercy and poured in the oil of gladness? How […]

Readings: Isaiah 7:10-14, 8-10; Hebrews 10:4-10; Luke 1:26-38 The community Mass is celebrated at 11:00 AM, Fr. James preaching. The feast, the calendar date of which fell on Good Friday, is transferred from 25 March this year to Monday, 4 April after the conclusion of the Easter Octave. The Easter Octave extends the celebration of […]

Readings: Acts 5:12-16; Revelation 1:9-13, 17-19; John 1:9-13, 17-19 The community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Fr. Vincent Collins presiding and preaching. The Second Sunday of Easter concludes the Easter Octave and was formerly known as Low Sunday. Pope John Paul II designated it as Divine Mercy Sunday. It is also the First […]

We now have more rooms available at the Retreat House for the end of April. Please contact Carol to make your reservation for 27 April through 1 May by telephoning at 540-955-4383, Monday through Friday during regular work hours. Or you may contact her by email at: information@hcava.org

The Readings: Genesis 1:1-2:2; Genesis 22:1-18; Exodus 14:15-15:1; Isaiah 55:1-11; Romans 6:3-22; Luke 24:1-12 The Paschal Vigil begins at 8:30 PM, Abbot Robert Barnes presiding and preaching. The Vigil begins with the blessing of the new Fire and the Paschal Candle which continues burning at the Liturgy through Pentecost Sunday. The Liturgy of the Word […]

The celebration of Good Friday supplants the calendar Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Incarnation to the Virgin Mary. The Solemnity of the Annunciation is transferred this year to Monday, 4 April. At Holy Cross Abbey, the Good Friday Psalter begins at 11:00 AM; guests are invited to participate with the community. The service lasts at […]

Please be aware that the Gift Shop will be CLOSED on GOOD FRIDAY but will be open on Holy Saturday (10.00 – 12.00 AM and 2.15 – 4.15 PM) and Easter Sunday (9.30 -10.45 AM and 1.15 – 4.15 PM).