Last night for dinner I ate kale with a side of fresh squash, picked for me that afternoon by Ed Leonard, an employee of Holy Cross Abbey in Berryville. The bounty came from the new organic garden located on part of the 1,200 acres that encompass Holy Cross' property.

Visiting the garden was the last thing I did Monday on my visit to the abbey, which lasted an incredible four hours. Among other exciting moments: being escorted through doors marked "No Admittance" to see the rarely seen (by an outsider) parts of the abbey; joining the monks in midday prayer; and visiting the gift shop, where I scored fruitcake, chocolates and lemon creamed honey.

Awesome.

Right now the focus at the abbey is to garner more vocations. The 13 men living at the monastery aren't getting any younger, and Abbot Robert Barnes, the head of the abbey, said they're looking for new ways to enlighten young men to the joys of their contemplative lifestyle of a Trappist monk.

It's a radical way to live, with no possessions, constant prayer and constant silence, said Kurt Aschermann, a companion of Holy Cross. But it's not for everyone. They're seeking men interested in being extreme in their devotion to seek God through a contemplative life.

For more on Holy Cross, visit their website, and check back soon for a full article and photos.