Readings: Acts 3:13-15, 17-19; 1 John 2:1-5a; Luke 24:35-48 It’s quite possible that we’ve all shared the experience of the disciples. I mean, I can be so focused on how my expectations should unfold that I can’t believe the unforeseen blessing right there in front of me. It doesn’t have to be anything as big […]

Readings: Acts of the Apostles 10:34, 37-43; Colossians 3:1-4; John 20:1-9 Back in 2007, a documentary titled The Lost Tomb of Jesus presented archeological evidence in support of a claim to have discovered the real tomb of Jesus containing his mortal remains, and thus casting serious doubt on his physical resurrection as well as the […]

Readings: Acts of the Apostles 3:13-15, 17-19; 1 John 2:1-5a; Luke 24:35-48 The community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, fr. James presiding and preaching.

Spring has entered the Shenandoah Valley and sun is predicted for this weekend. The combination of this week’s rain, the time of year and the expected sunlight means that everything will be in its freshest splendor this weekend. If you are thinking about a break from your routine to refresh yourself spiritually, know that we […]

A Blessed Easter to each of you from all the brothers as we come together this evening to celebrate the joy of the resurrection of the Lord from the dead. He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you. With that testimony of the angel we begin the […]

Readings: Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-15 This is the Passover of the Lord. You heard that phrase proclaimed in the First Reading this evening. When God rescued the Israelite people from their slavery in Egypt, he declared that the angel of the Lord would pass over them, when he punished the Egyptians […]

Throughout the Triduum, after the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the bells (an instrument of joy) is silenced and the sober “Clapper” announces the liturgical hours. The choir rubrics for the monks are pared down to the simplest and most silent postures and gestures. For the intrepid there is a special Good Friday Vigils at 3:30 AM […]

As long as I look at myself, my eye is filled with bitterness; but if I look up and fix my eyes on the aid of divine mercy, this happy vision of God soon tempers the bitter vision of myself. I say to him, “I am disturbed within so I will call you to mind […]

2 April, Holy Thursday: The Mass of the Lord’s Supper is celebrated at 4:30 PM with the Mandatum (washing of the feet) and transfer of the Blessed sacrament 3 April, Good Friday: Good Friday Psalter at 11:00 AM : Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion at 4:30 PM with the Passion According to St. John, Veneration of […]

Readings: Mark 12:12-16 (Processional Gospel); Isaiah 50:4-7; Philippians 2:6-11; The Passion according to St. Mark–Mark 14:1-15:47 The Community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM. The Distribution and Blessing of Palms will begin in the Chapter Room and proceed to the Church. This Entrance Rite will replace the Penitential Act; The Passion of Jesus Christ […]