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 […]

Readings: Isaiah 7:10-14, 8:10; Hebrews 10:4-10; Luke 1:26-38 Last week we celebrated the Feast of St. Joseph and today, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, while next week is Holy Week–already! These Mass readings review the beginnings of Jesus’ time on earth just as we are about to celebrate the end of his earthly life. This […]

We suddenly have eight rooms available in the Retreat House that had been reserved by a group but is now reduced in number. If you had hoped to make a retreat with us during the weekend of 17 through 19 April, you can now actualize those plans. We are presuming that after this long snowy […]

Readings: Isaiah 7:10-14, 8:10; Hebrews 10:4-10; Luke 1:26-38 The community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Abbot Robert Barnes presiding; Fr. James will preach. Because it is a solemnity, Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament will follow Vespers (5:30 PM)