Sacred Space

I have been going to the Cistercian Abbey for daily Mass for a few months now. Yesterday was the 20^th Anniversary of the dedication of their chapel. On May 10, 1992 the key to the chapel was presented to Bishop Charles Grahmann and Abbot Denis. Yesterday's Mass was celebrated by Abbot Peter.  The readings for the Mass were chosen to celebrate this special anniversary. The first reading was from Revelation and spoke about the New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. The second reading was from 1 John and spoke about worship and experiencing the fullness of God’s redemption. And the gospel was about the Samaritan woman.“Jesus said to her, ‘Believe me, woman, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You people worship what you do not understand; we worship what we understand, because salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth; and indeed the Father seeks such people to worship him. God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and truth.’” (John 4:21-24)

We may take for granted the fact that there are so many Catholic churches in which we are able to worship. We are able to celebrate Mass every day and also spend time in these sacred places before the tabernacle or the Eucharist exposed for Adoration. Several times after work I have stopped by the chapel at Cistercian to spend some time alone with God in this sacred space. It is so beautiful and peaceful and I feel God’s presence. It gives me an opportunity to lay it all before Him especially when it has been a hard day at work. This particular chapel testifies to the ideals, courage, and determination of the Cistercian Order, especially the monks from the Abbey of Zirc who were forced to flee their homeland to ensure the survival of their tradition. The Cistercian Abbey will for centuries stand in tribute to the sacrifices they made and to the homeland they left behind. And will for centuries provide a place where we can worship God in Spirit and truth.