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Santa Rita Abbey • Sonoita, AZ
Amongst the patchwork of desert and grasses, sunlight and shade, lies a small Monastery of 10 nuns just 20 miles north of the border of Mexico, just south of Tucson, AZ. This delightful location not only produces a perfect setting for solitude, but nearly demands it of one if they were to spend any amount…
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New Clairvaux Abbey • Vina, CA
Hearing the train go by throughout the day and night was such a sound of comfort that I welcomed while staying at New Clairvaux. Established in 1955 by monks of the Abbey of Gethesamani who were expanding, this monastery is located on the grounds of one of the largest wineries and vineyards in the world.…
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Abbey of Our Lady of the Holy Trinity • Huntsville, UT
Coming to the Abbey of Our Lady of the Holy Trinity felt like discovering and participating in an unknown treasure of the world. Similar to the monastery in Snowmass, Holy Trinity is tucked away in the midst of mountains. There were numerous times I walked outside to find the monastery and myself standing in a…
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St. Benedict’s Abbey • Snowmass, CO
St. Benedict’s Abbey is delightfully tucked away in the mountains of Snowmass, Colorado. The view, fresh air and incredible sunshine was a nice change after the recently overcast skies. Coming across St. Benedict’s Abbey was like arriving at a silver lining – both in appearance and experience. Not because Snowmass seemed ‘better’ or ‘more beautiful,’…
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Our Lady Of The Mississippi Abbey • Dubuque, IA
Because of wanting to spend some time at home while I was near, I chose to not stay at Our Lady of the Mississippi (OLM) very long. However, I did get to attend Sext (midday prayer) and briefly speak with a sister to let her know I would love to return again soon for a…
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New Melleray Abbey • Peosta, IA
Because New Melleray Abbey is the 2nd oldest Trappist Monastery (1849), stepping upon the grounds has a sense of sacredness that immediately induces reverence for the people and the place. The interior of the church is pleasingly textured in stone, which, while aesthetically pleasing, it also awakens various senses to texture, sound, aroma, etc. Upon…
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Abbey of Gethsemani • Trappist, KY
The Abbey of Gethsemani was the first monastery I have ever traveled to, so there was something delightful about returning to ‘where it all began.’ While I now sense a greater home at New Melleray (due to my more frequent stays and being from Iowa), I’m still so thankful and reverent of the introduction to…
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Mepkin Abbey • Moncks Corner, SC
Mepkin Abbey is a very lush area in South Carolina. The beauty of the land was undeniable, before even knowing about the various gardens, dedicated grounds, and even labyrinth located on the monastic grounds. Unfortunately, I spent a short time at Mepkin, but still felt extraordinarily welcomed, loved, humbled, and honored to experience this monastery.…
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Our Lady of the Angels Abbey • Crozet, VA
“Schola Caritatis.” Latin for school of love. Our Lady of the Angles Abbey in Crozet is the ‘youngest’ of Trappist Abbeys, being built in 1984. The land was used as a cheese farm, and the sisters of Crozet continue that work to this day. Crozet is tucked away in the hills of Virginia surrounded by…
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Holy Cross Abbey • Berryhill, VA
The first blatant difference I noticed coming into Berryhill was the weather. It was the my first run in with the lovely winter, and I’m happy to report I was not only safe, but I also gazed in wonder like a child at the delicate snowfall (perhaps it helped that it still wasn’t as cold…
Dr. Cassidy Hall, DMin, MDiv, MTS, MA 