It wasn’t much of a joke–or perhaps guys never outgrow sick jokes and a sophomoric sense of humor–but every year we’d gear up for the inevitable phone call to the Information Center asking, “What time is the Midnight Mass?” Clearly, the only time Midnight Mass could take place was midnight; but, of course, that wasn’t […]
Fr. James’ Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Advent
Readings: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11; II Peter 3:8-14; Mark 1:1-8 When I hear today’s Gospel, I recall the majesty of the opening of Handel’s Messiah. The religious imagery of Handel’s era was positive and uplifting, full of light and hope girded with optimism. But hope and optimism are two very different things, hope engaging realities while […]
Monday, 8 December, 2014: the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
The community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Fr. Joseph presiding and preaching. This Solemnity is the patronal feast of the United States. Because it falls in the Advent Season, the Second Vespers of the Second Sunday of Advent displaces the First Vespers of the Solemnity. Monday is a non-work day at the Abbey […]
Work in the Benedictine Tradition, Part Six
One way to consider the role of work in Benedictine spirituality is to look up references to “work” mentioned in the Rule. The previous post considered how St. Benedict’s teaching in his time and circumstances was not necessarily the final word on work; what he has to say does not explicitly deal with creativity in […]
Rooms available at the Retreat House
There are many opening available at the Retreat House for the Week 15 to 19 December. All are single-occupancy spaces with a private bath. All retreats are non-directed though a priest is available for spiritual direction or confession. There are also openings for the “short week” 22 to 24 December (the Retreat House is closed […]
7 December, 2014, 2nd Sunday of Advent, Year B
The community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Fr. James presiding and preaching. It is the first Sunday of the month and Eucharistic Adoration will begin at 4:00 PM. All are welcome.
Availability at the Retreat House this Weekend
Eight spaces in the Retreat House opened up unexpectedly for this weekend, Friday 3:00 PM through Sunday noon, 5-7 December. What a wonderful way to begin Advent with a weekend retreat! Because the opportunity has arisen so suddenly, no deposit is required should you care to make a reservation. Act now and don’t lose this […]
Fr. Maurice Flood returns to Berryville
Fr. Maurice, who in the 1980’s had transferred his stability from Gethsemani Abbey, Kentucky, to Holy Cross Abbey, Berryville, Virginia, and was ordained priest for this community 23 June, 1991, has faithfully served as chaplain to our nuns at Redwoods Abbey in California for many a year. It was a happy assignment for all and […]
A Word From The Cistercian Fathers For December
Prepare a way for the Lord. Brethren, we prepare the way of the Lord as we are bidden to do by walking along it; and we can walk along it by preparing it. However far you journey along it, the way is always waiting to be prepared, so that you must start afresh from the […]
Some Reflections on Advent from Fr. Robert’s Sunday Chapter Talk
Advent celebrates the mystery of the Lord’s Parousia, his promise to return in glory, his hidden presence even now as we wait in longing for his revelation to the world. St. Paul reminded the Colossians, Set your heart on what pertains to higher realms where Christ is seated at God’s right hand. Be intent on […]