Sacred Stones
 
If you haven't yet seen the NOVA episode that aired on October 19, we encourage you to gather friends and take the time to learn about the mysteries of medieval architecture and the role that our very own Sacred Stones project can play in helping us understand medievan buildings.  
You can watch the episode for free on the PBS website, or you can order the DVD.
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See the news coverage of the Sacred Stones project in our video section of the website
 
 
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On Friday, October 1, Los Angeles Times reporter Steve Cawkins visited the abbey and spoke with Father Thomas and Frank Helmholz.
 
 
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Master Stonemason Frank Helmholz talks with the board and staff from the McConnell Fund of the Shasta Regional Community Foundation.  Board and staff members visited the abbey on September 9 and 16 to see first-hand the Chapter House reconstruction project funded in part by two grants in 2008 and 2009 totaling $50,000.

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Sierra Nevada and the Abbey of New Clairvaux will be working together to create a Belgian Ale called "Ovila," in honor of the Sacred Stones project.  You can watch a video news report in the "Press Coverage" section of this website or by clicking on the following link: NEWS REPORT
 
 
Mark you calendars to watch 'Building the Great Cathedrals' on your local PBS station on October 19.  The Sacred Stones project is prominently featured in this fascinating program on the science behind the medieval European, religious building boom.
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The first of three semi-truck loads carrying 14 slabs of Texas limestone arrives at the abbey to be cut for use in the vaulted ceiling.  Some of the slabs weigh over 3,000 lbs.  The total weight of this shipment is 35,000 lbs or 17 ½ tons.

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During the summer of 2010, part of the vaulted ceiling of the chapter house will be constructed using the old stones. See images below.