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 […]
A Word From The Cistercian Fathers For April
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 […]
Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Incarnation to the Virgin Mary, Monday, 4 April, 2016
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 […]
Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday) 3 April, 2016
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 […]
Openings available at the Retreat House 27 April through 1 May
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 Paschal Vigil, 26 March, 2016
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 […]
A last word…
This is actually the final follow-up to that Merton talk last year. To think we observed that anniversary year of Thomas Merton the week of the terrorist attack in Paris and I’m finally concluding this after the attack in Brussels! That speaks volumes about the wounded world we live in. Do I want to live as […]
Good Friday, 25 March, 2016
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 […]
MONASTERY GIFT SHOP
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).
Sunday of the Lord’s Passion (Palm Sunday), 20 March, 2016
Readings: Luke 19:28-40 [Processional Gospel]; Isaiah 50:4-7; Philippians 2:6-11; Luke 22:14-23:56 [Passion Gospel] The community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Abbot Robert Barnes presiding. The celebration begins with the distribution and blessings of palms, commemorating Jesus triumphal entrance into Jerusalem. The Celebration begins in the Chapter Room; monks will direct you from the […]