Cloistered monks maintain spiritual connections with outside world

Published: 2006-06-14

BERRYVILLE, Va. (CNS) -- At first glance, the Holy Cross Abbey in Berryville seems completely shut off from the world at large. For starters, its location is off the beaten path in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. This is not a place that visitors accidentally stumble upon. And yet, the quiet pastoral setting is often inundated with visitors, those who come seeking solace or perhaps wanting to absorb some of the rich spiritual tradition on the monastery grounds. "The retreat house is always full," Trappist Father Robert Barnes, the abbot, said of the guest house that sleeps 16, either for weeklong or weekend retreats. He said people reserve their spot months in advance and plenty are "on standby" if anyone cancels. Visitors essentially set their own routine. They are welcome to attend any of the five times reserved for prayer in the chapel with the Trappist monks -- with the first prayers, the night Office of Vigils, at 3:30 a.m. and closing prayers, or compline, at 7:30 p.m. They may attend meals with other participants or receive spiritual counseling from one of the monks, but they are not required to do so.

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