On rural farmland outside Washington, monks follow ancient tradition

Published: 2006-06-14

BERRYVILLE, Va. (CNS) -- Although Holy Cross Abbey, at the foot of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, is only an hour's drive from Washington, it could just as well be worlds away the differences between the two places are so vast. Adjacent to the Shenandoah River and surrounded by rolling hills and meadows dotted with ancient oak trees, its setting alone is otherworldly: serene, pastoral and exceptionally quiet. But there is more to this place than just its rural surroundings as witnessed at the back door in the 18th-century hunting lodge used by the monks when they meet visitors. Behind the "No Admittance" sign nailed to the door, 24 cloistered Trappist brothers and priests live out their days following simple routines of prayer and work removed from the hectic pace of modern life. These men have committed their lives to God and one another for the long haul, vowing to stay at the monastery for the rest of their lives, leaving only for medical appointments, occasional errands or family emergencies.

Copyright (c) 2006 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .