Key Takeaways
- The Monastery of Christ in the Desert is a Benedictine monastery located in Abiquiu, New Mexico, and is home to 15 monks and a guesthouse for visitors.
- The monastery is known for its silence and natural beauty, with visitors able to participate in prayer and work alongside the monks.
- The monks follow the Rule of St. Benedict, which emphasizes the importance of prayer and work, and welcome guests to join them in their daily activities.
- The monastery has a unique approach to technology, with some monks using social media and the internet to share their experiences and connect with the outside world.
- Visitors to the monastery can expect to find a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere, with opportunities to participate in prayer, work, and outdoor activities.
Introduction to the Monastery
The Monastery of Christ in the Desert is a secluded Benedictine monastery located in Abiquiu, New Mexico, along the Chama River. The monastery is home to 15 monks and a guesthouse for visitors, and is known for its stunning natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Brother John Chrysostom, the guestmaster, describes the silence of the monastery as "deafening," with no sirens, electrical buzz, or cell phone connection to disturb the peace. The only sounds to be heard are the bells and the chanting of the monks, which takes place seven times a day.
The History of the Monastery
The Monastery of Christ in the Desert was founded in 1964 by Father Aelred Wall, a monk who was drawn to the area’s natural beauty and spiritual energy. The monastery’s church was designed by famous architect and furniture maker George Nakashima, and the monks follow the Rule of St. Benedict, which emphasizes the importance of prayer and work. The area has a long history of attracting people seeking spiritual guidance, including artist Georgia O’Keeffe, who settled just down the road from the monastery.
The Monks’ Way of Life
The monks at the Monastery of Christ in the Desert live a simple and contemplative life, with a focus on prayer, work, and community. Brother Chrysostom, who has an impressive educational background and a former career as an investment banker, describes the monks’ way of life as one of "prayer and work," where every activity is done for God. The monks welcome visitors to join them in their daily activities, including prayer, meals, and outdoor work, and ask that guests participate in the silence and respect the monastery’s peaceful atmosphere.
The Role of Technology
The monastery has a unique approach to technology, with some monks using social media and the internet to share their experiences and connect with the outside world. Brother David, who posts videos about monastic life on YouTube, describes the monastery’s use of technology as a way to share their message and connect with others. However, the monks also emphasize the importance of silence and contemplation, and encourage visitors to put away their devices and engage with the natural world.
The Experience of Visitors
Visitors to the monastery can expect to find a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere, with opportunities to participate in prayer, work, and outdoor activities. Mary and Joseph Roy, who visited the monastery from Washington State, describe their experience as a chance to "listen to God" and connect with nature. The monks ask visitors to help with the running of the monastery, if they can, and emphasize the importance of community and mutual support.
The Importance of Community
The monks at the Monastery of Christ in the Desert emphasize the importance of community and mutual support, and welcome visitors to join them in their daily activities. Brother Chrysostom describes the monks’ relationship with the outside world as one of interdependence, where "we need the world as much as the world needs us." The monks ask no questions of those who wish to become their guests, and welcome visitors to come as they are, without expectation or requirement.
The Lesson of the False Horizon
The monastery’s location in a canyon, with towering hills and cliffs, provides a powerful lesson for visitors. Brother Chrysostom describes the hills and cliffs as "false horizons," which appear to be the top but are actually just the beginning of something higher. This lesson can be applied to our own spiritual journeys, where we may think we have reached the top but are actually just beginning to ascend to new heights. The monastery’s peaceful and contemplative atmosphere provides a unique opportunity for visitors to reflect on their own spiritual journeys and connect with something deeper and more meaningful.