Holy Cross Abbey, Virginia

Holy Cross Abbey is a monastery of the Catholic Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (OCSO), popularly known as the Trappists. The monastery is located near Berryville in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, United States. The main building was built as a hunting lodge in 1784 by William Wormeley, nephew of Ralph Wormeley, who bought the land at the suggestion of friend George Washington.

Holy Cross Abbey, Berryville, VA

History

The order of monks that occupy the abbey originated in Valley Falls, Rhode Island, but their monastery, Our Lady of the Valley, was gutted by fire on March 21, 1950. The monks temporarily occupied an abandoned Civilian Conservation Corps camp, and moved into the Virginia location on November 18, 1950.

The monks make and sell fruitcakes and creamed honey and they own and operate a natural cemetery and a retreat house where guests can stay for several days at a time. Guests at the retreat house are requested to contribute to the atmosphere of silence and prayer.

During the Civil War, the Battle of Cool Spring was fought on what is now the monastery grounds.

It was also featured in an article by the Washington Post commending it for its quiet location and beautiful scenery.[1]

Historic buildings and structures
  • Holy Cross Abbey (1784)
  • View from Holy Cross Abbey

Google Earth

References
  1. Manteuffel, Rachel (28 March 2010). "The Silent Treatment: A quiet vacation at Virginia's Holy Cross Abbey in the Shenandoah Valley". Retrieved 10 August 2017 – via washingtonpost.com.

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