Abbey News

Golden Anniversary of Priesthood

Fr. Matthew and Fr. Pascal were both ordained 50 years ago in the Cistercian Monastery of Zwettl in Austria. Both have worked in Dallas parishes for decades – Fr. Pascal at St. Monica’s and Fr. Matthew at Holy Family. For years, Fr. Pascal was also responsible for the day-to-day running of the monastery, serving as Abbot Anselm’s right-hand man. Fr. Matthew has served in the Prep School longer than anyone else. Both have helped create in the monastery the atmosphere of prayer and work in community that our 13 young monks are now taking up. Please join us on Sunday, August 12 at 10:30 AM for a special Sunday Mass as we celebrate Fr. Matthew’s and Fr. Pascal’s 50th anniversary of priestly ordination. A reception will follow in the Abbey Courtyard

Memorare Society Mass

The Memorare Society, a group committed to benefitting Cistercian through wills or bequests, recently met for a special mass in the Abbey church. The mass was held honor of these benefactors and was offered especially for all deceased members of the Cistercian family. Abbot Denis was the main celebrant and homilist; his sermon explored the meaning of Cistercian as a place where we are ennobled by the Christian calling "to remember, and to remind". It can be viewed by clicking here.

entry posted 1-1-07

Christmas Homilies:

Father Abbot Denis recently preached the following sermons at the Abbey Church, which you may read by clicking the hyperlinks:

  • Midnight Mass, December 24. "There is no more that even God can say to his lost sheep -- to his human creatures gone astray -- than the word implied in the Christmas events: 'With everlasting love I have loved you, and now I come as a child, asking for a place on earth...'"
  • Christmas Morning, December 25. "What Mary offers us in Bethlehem is the fruit from the true tree of life. The tree is the cross. It might look hideous and shameful, but its fruit is invigorating."

entry posted 1-1-07

New Book by Fr. Ralph

Fr. Ralph March and Ms. Marilyn Walker recently published Cantus Angelorum, Coena Cantorum: Musical and Culinary Advintures of the Collegium Cantorum in Europe and Canada, a combination cookbook and full-color travelogue, chronicling their adventures with UD's acclamed sacred music choir. Copies can be obtained for $33.95 through the University of Dallas Music Department at 972-721-5079.

entry posted 8-21-06

New Novices and First Vows

On Aug. 19, the vigil of the Feast of St. Bernard, Abbot Denis Farkasfalvy clothed three young men in the habit of the novice and gave them their new names. Andrew Gregg received the name of Stephen Harding, Ed Brophy the name of Lawrence, and Nicholas Frei the name of Nathaniel. Br. Stephen and Br. Lawrence are both graduates of Cistercian Preparatory School . Br. Nathaniel is the natural brother of Br. Abraham. The following morning during the solemn celebration of the Feast of St. Bernard, Br. Ignatius, Br. Thomas and Br. Ambrose made their temporary vows of three years.


Novitiate Ceremony, August 19, 2006