Living the Rule 
Stories and examples of how monastics and oblates live out the Rule in their daily lives.
Prejudice, the habit of stereotyping
“The world today is closer together and adherents of non-Christian religions live among us. In this situation, for the sake of understanding and peaceful coexistence, it is necessary to take a look over the fence of our own cultural context into the world of religions. In the process, we ascertain that compassion and beneficence are… Read More ›
The experience of Mercy
“Mercy expresses God’s sovereignty. God is not like a judge or a public servant, who justly applies the law established by a higher authority. In this process, he does not proceed in an arbitrary fashion; rather, he acts according to his own loving kindness. Mercy is not opposed to justice. Mercy does not suspend justice;… Read More ›
The way our culture is going
The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable. —Brennan Manning I was talking to friend who was complaining about the way our culture is going…. Read More ›
In times of darkness, trust
Because always, even in the darkest moments, in moments of sin, in moments of weakness, in moments of failure, I have seen Jesus and I trusted Him. He has not left me alone. —Pope Francis It can be easy to say ‘God is Love’, perhaps too easy. Love is stronger than death; it does not… Read More ›
Feast of the Magi (Epiphany 2016)
Outside of the Jewish faith, three men who sought wisdom all the days of their lives, seeking the light, truth and wisdom, followed the Star over the land facing danger, discomfort and even death. O Lord, that we may also seek truth and wisdom without rancor towards others and not allowing fear or anxiety to… Read More ›
Meet the monks who decided to go green years before Laudato Si
Berryville, Va., Dec 27, 2015 / 05:20 pm (CNA).- Years before Pope Francis’ recent ecology encyclical was published, a Trappist monastery in Virginia went back to its spiritual roots by embracing environmental stewardship. “This really is a re-founding,” Fr. James Orthmann of Holy Cross Abbey in Berryville, Va. told CNA, a “real renewal and a… Read More ›
A New Year of Mercy (2016)
For the New Year of 2016, may we grow in the courage to look within, and in that seeing and experiencing our own inner struggles and failures; we may grow in compassion for others and understand that just as we each need mercy, so perhaps we should extend it to all. A friend of mine… Read More ›
Grace and gift giving (What I learned from my Dad)
In 1983 my mother died at the age of 63. It was not a sudden death. On my home visit in 1982 she told me that she had about a year to live. She was worried however about dad because he kept thinking she would get better. So when mom died it hit my dad… Read More ›
Feast of the Holy Family 2015
In good families, as well as those that are less so, have chaos as an important component. Children from the moment they are born begin growing apart from their parents, becoming individuals in their own right. There is a saying, the love of parents move towards allowing their children to becoming more and more independent,… Read More ›
Stephen the Martyr Feast Day (Day after Christmas 2015)
For many, Christmas can be a very sentimental time of the year. Baby Jesus, pretty lights and decorations, parties and yes gifts. All good, and possibly for those who don’t get caught up in the cultural tornado of frenzied activity (probably more than is realized), a very good time of the year. Sentiment is good… Read More ›