Category Archives: Cistercian Writings

The octave before the feast of Christmas has always been marked by the singing of the Great “O” Antiphons, usually with the Magnificat (Song of Mary) at the office of Vespers.  These wonderful antiphons, short but rich texts, draw together phrases from the sacred scriptures of the Old Testament, a prophetic voice looking forward toContinue reading “Late Advent with the Cistercian Fathers – O Antiphons Revisited”

For the Cistercian Fathers the mystery of the Incarnation – that the Word of God, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, took flesh and was born in time, walked among men and women on this earth, and sought us out to lead us back to the fullness of the Father’s love through his passion,Continue reading “A Cistercian Advent”

The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, celebrated each year on 2nd February, is also kept as the World Day of Prayer for the Consecrated Life. As such, we pray both for those who are already living this vowed life in the Church and those whom, we know, God is calling, that they may hear his invitation in their hearts and answer, both humbly and courageously.

‘And the Virgin’s name was Mary.’ Let us now say a few words about this name, which means ‘star of the sea’, and is so becoming to the Virgin Mother. Surely she is very fittingly likened to a star. The star sends forth its rays without harm to itself…