The monastery church is where we spend a great deal of time worshiping God–Father, Son and Holy Spirit–at the daily Conventual Mass and the Divine Office, as well as praying for the needs of family, friends, benefactors and all people, near and far, interceeding for their particular needs and intentions.
We are now beginning our second year without the reception of guests for personal retreats, as well no day visitors and pilgrims. We still do not know when we can safely open our doors again. This reality is the same for hundreds of Benedictine and Cistercian monasteries around the world.
While saddened by the situation we face, out of our control, we cannot give up praying and hoping for better times. The arrival of vaccines against the pandemic is heartening and a strong dose of hope for a world clouded already for many months.
May the Lenten season we are now celebrating liturgically be a reminder of the nearness of God, through thick and thin, and the call from God to remain focused on the gift of life we have been given and this opportunity to draw nearer to the Living God.
With gratitude for your friendship, prayers and good example,
Abbot Christian and the monks
