Americans keep May 31st this year as the day to honor and pray for all who have died in the service of their country in the various branches of the military, called Memorial Day.
This is also the date every year when Catholics recount the visit that the Virgin Mary made to her kinswoman Elizabeth, as found in the Gospel According to Saint Luke, chapter 1, verses 39 to 56, called the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Feast of the Visitation is all about hospitality, of Elizabeth welcoming a relative coming from a distance, to be of assistance and to rejoice together in the coming births of their sons, Jesus of Nazareth and John the Baptist.
This year too on May 31st we are partially reopening our ministry of hospitality, by welcoming day visitors to the Monastery once again. Starting today, the Monastery Church, Giftshop and designated grounds will be open each day from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Reservations for private retreats are still not possible. Our website will indicate when we are able to have overnight stays once again.
Let us pray that we all may remain safe and enjoy good health during the Memorial Day and Feast of the Visitation.
Abbot Christian and the monks
