One of the reasons the Abbey is well known world-wide is because of the religious vestments they produce, a company known as the Holy Rood Guild. They use the best quality material, and the final result shows what fine vestures they create. They also create incense, which is used in many Cathedrals and churches, as well as the Chrism which is used on Holy Thursday at the blessing of the oils. When the monks enter the monastery, they take 4 vows, poverty, chastity and obedience as well as a fourth vow, that of stability, whereby they stay in the same monastery till death.
Monks are buried in the ground in the cemetery on the property without a casket. The graveside is marked by a simple cross, with the name of the monk and date of death. The number of monks has dwindled from the time I was with them 20 years ago. Some have died, others were in the Infirmary - that is why the above photo shows only 36. The grounds of the Abbey is so colorful in October and November, as the maple trees turn the area into an autumnal heaven, which by early December turns into all white, snowy, icy and cold.
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