As our readers realize, we are considering the shape of our liturgical life and this can be an opportunity to review the monastic tradition of prayer. We can see it rooted in the Gospels, the Letters of the Apostles and find it expressed in the Acts of the Apostles which we happen to be reading […]

Readings: Isaiah 35:4-7; James 2:3=5; Mark 7:31-37 The community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Fr. Vincent Collins presiding and preaching. It is the First Sunday of the month and Eucharistic Adoration will begin at 4:00 PM

If you find yourself inspired by Pope Francis’ Encyclical on the Environment or have always wanted to be a part of the sustainability effort at Holy Cross Abbey–or need a good workout–we can offer you an opportunity through September and October. Now that the bird nesting season (15 May through 15 August) is over, we […]

There is an arrow that pierces Mary’s heart: the living and active Word of God that cuts more keenly than any two-edged sword. Of this our Savior said: I have not come to send peace but the sword. A polished arrow, too, is that special love of Christ, which not only pierced Mary’s soul but penetrated […]

Readings: Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8; James 1:17-18, 21-22, 27; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 We return today to St. Mark’s Gospel after the past weeks of hearing St. John’s account of Jesus’ teaching on the Eucharist. From now on in Mark’s Gospel, we observe the increasingly angry attacks which the Pharisees make on Jesus. Jesus retaliates, calling […]

Readings: Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8; James 1:17-18, 21-22, 27; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 The community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Abbot Robert Barnes presiding and preaching.

Readings: Joshua 14:1-2a, 15-17, 18b; Ephesians 5:2a, 25-32; John 6:6–69 I find in today’s Gospel the most challenging verses of St. John’s Sixth Chapter. Doesn’t the general response to Jesus have a contemporary ring? This saying is hard; who can accept it? Today some people attribute very little that is challenging to Jesus himself. Too […]

Readings: Revelation 11:19; 12:1-6, 10; 1 Corinthians 15:20-26; Luke 1:39-56 The Almighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name. These are the words of Mary’s Magnificat, her song of praise that we pray every day at Vespers. How fitting that these words are the Gospel today for the Church’s celebration of Mary’s […]

Readings: Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b; Ephesians 5:2a, 25-32; John 6:60-69 The community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Fr. James Orthmann presiding and preaching.

There are two rooms still available for the men’s Monastic Immersion Weekend in September (11-13)…if interested send email to companions@virginiatrappists.org…also remember one of our alumni has provided a scholarship for one person who might not have the $300 we ask for the weekend. Do apply if you are interested…