WHITEHORN, California — The first time I visited my sisters here at Redwoods Monastery was in mid-June of 1994. It’s hard to believe that it’s been 26 years since that initial brief visit to this wonderful community, in this place of truly awesome beauty. Since that first three-day stay, as I remember it, I’ve been coming down here almost every year, from my home community of Guadalupe Abbey near Carlton, for longer stays. I’ve consistently been helping with their Holy Week and Easter liturgies. This has meant being here for two, sometimes three, weeks in March and April.
The monastery garden has been improved with a new fence and gates. Some of the gates were hand crafted, adding a distinctive flair and artistic touch to our already luxuriant garden.
Prayer for Discernment
LORD, help me:
TO boldly take charge of my life, aim for the most beautiful and profound things, and keep my heart pure.
TO respond to your call, with the aid of wise and generous guides, and realize a proper plan for my life to achieve true happiness.
TO dream great dreams and
always have a concern for the
good of others.
TO stand with you at the foot
of the cross and receive the gift
of your mother.
TO witness to your Resurrection and the hope
that it brings.
TO be aware that you are at
my side as I joyously proclaim
you as Lord. Amen.
— Pope Francis
Commemorate the 57th Annual World Day of Prayer for Vocations by reading the Pope's message. (click "Read More)
May the light of Christ fill your hearts this Easter Day.
There is no better chant to describe the power of this day than the Exultet. Listen to the Easter Proclamation sung by Sr Gertrude, last night at our Easter Vigil. Read more for the text of this ancient hymn.
Walk with the Community of Redwoods in our celebration of the Triduum. Each day, from Holy Thursday until Easter, we will update this post with new details of our liturgy. Have a very Blessed Holy Week.
May Christ's gift of self-giving love console and strengthen our hearts especially in this time of great suffering.
A popular Guest House recipe that is vegan, easy to mak...
