When the winter storms just keep on coming, and the landscapes continue to be blanketed by snow, the monks daily rhythm is often slightly altered. Nature beckons crews of monks to assemble and begin the large task of snow removal oftentimes well before dawn. After the early morning Office of Vigils comes to a close, shovels, snow blowers and plows commence to move into action. It's a team effort to get the roads, walking paths, and doorways cleared, but the monks pitch in with great fervor to offer this form of hospitality to one another, and to their retreatants, pilgrims, and faithful guests who make the drive up to attend the Offices or Mass in the visitors side chapels.
