News from Christ in the Desert
News from Christ in the Desert
24 April 2008
We have just received word of the death of one of our dear friends, Mrs. Florence Dapples of Santa Fe, New Mexico, who died on April 20th. We offer Mass and prayers for the eternal repose of her soul. May God reward her with the gift of everlasting life.
18 April 2008
April 12 was a very busy day here at the abbey. During Morning Mass, we saw Brother Peter Khoa Le Van Son transfer his stability to Christ in the Desert from Thien Binh. Then Brother John Dat and Brother Dominic Dat made their solemn vows.
This picture shows Brs Dominic Dat and John Dat signing their Profession documents on the altar while Abbot Philip looks on prayerfully.
While in Santa Fe please visit our stores:
The Monk's Corner
A fine selection of Hand Crafted Gifts from Monasteries Around the World. The store is located at 235 Don Gaspar, next to the Inn of the Governors.
Phone: 505-982-1915
The Community Thrift Store
A Terrific Selection of Goods, New and Used. Store is located at 1306 Clark Street, one block north of Siler Road.
Phone: 505-473-0972
8 April 2008
The middle of the three crosses in this picture was planted on Divine Mercy Sunday afternoon. Prior Francisco led a hike of the junior monks up to the top of the cliffs behind the abbey church. The cross used to be at the end of an abandoned "Stations of the Cross" trail behind the abbey. There is a new "Stations of the Cross" trail between the Guesthouse and the abbey.
3 April 2008:
Here in northern New Mexico we have fairly distinct seasons. Perhaps all who live here have their favourite season, and there are always four to choose from!
Some people have told us: "You don't live in a desert. Deserts are vast tracts of rolling sand dunes." We usually reply with something like, "True enough, some deserts, such as parts of the Sahara in Africa, are nothing but sand dunes. Other deserts, such as ours, also have vegetation, even water nearby, but the amount of rainfall per year is the deciding factor of what is and is not a desert."
This part of New Mexico, Where the Monastery of Christ in the Desert is located, receives very little rainfall per year and most of it comes in July and August, the rainy season. But overall, it is a dry and sunny climate, almost year round. Some snowfall in the winter months also provides moisture.
Technically the Rio Chama Canyon where we live is an Alpine Desert, but it is also possible to see trees, flowers, and a river flowing through the property. It is an oasis of beauty and peace.
We are now entering Spring, always welcome after the usual cold and snows of winter. The grass is returning to the cloister courtyard and the nine trees there are just about ready to flower.
The road into the Monastery, Forest Service Road 151, is in very good condition, having recently been graded which also brings gravel to the surface once again. All of this is to say, please come and visit when you can. The church and welcome area open during the day, as well as our fine gift shop, carrying religious goods and books.
24 April 2008
We have just received word of the death of one of our dear friends, Mrs. Florence Dapples of Santa Fe, New Mexico, who died on April 20th. We offer Mass and prayers for the eternal repose of her soul. May God reward her with the gift of everlasting life.
18 April 2008
April 12 was a very busy day here at the abbey. During Morning Mass, we saw Brother Peter Khoa Le Van Son transfer his stability to Christ in the Desert from Thien Binh. Then Brother John Dat and Brother Dominic Dat made their solemn vows.
This picture shows Brs Dominic Dat and John Dat signing their Profession documents on the altar while Abbot Philip looks on prayerfully.
While in Santa Fe please visit our stores:
A fine selection of Hand Crafted Gifts from Monasteries Around the World. The store is located at 235 Don Gaspar, next to the Inn of the Governors.
Phone: 505-982-1915
A Terrific Selection of Goods, New and Used. Store is located at 1306 Clark Street, one block north of Siler Road.
Phone: 505-473-0972
8 April 2008
The middle of the three crosses in this picture was planted on Divine Mercy Sunday afternoon. Prior Francisco led a hike of the junior monks up to the top of the cliffs behind the abbey church. The cross used to be at the end of an abandoned "Stations of the Cross" trail behind the abbey. There is a new "Stations of the Cross" trail between the Guesthouse and the abbey.
3 April 2008:
Here in northern New Mexico we have fairly distinct seasons. Perhaps all who live here have their favourite season, and there are always four to choose from!
Some people have told us: "You don't live in a desert. Deserts are vast tracts of rolling sand dunes." We usually reply with something like, "True enough, some deserts, such as parts of the Sahara in Africa, are nothing but sand dunes. Other deserts, such as ours, also have vegetation, even water nearby, but the amount of rainfall per year is the deciding factor of what is and is not a desert."
This part of New Mexico, Where the Monastery of Christ in the Desert is located, receives very little rainfall per year and most of it comes in July and August, the rainy season. But overall, it is a dry and sunny climate, almost year round. Some snowfall in the winter months also provides moisture.
Technically the Rio Chama Canyon where we live is an Alpine Desert, but it is also possible to see trees, flowers, and a river flowing through the property. It is an oasis of beauty and peace.
We are now entering Spring, always welcome after the usual cold and snows of winter. The grass is returning to the cloister courtyard and the nine trees there are just about ready to flower.
The road into the Monastery, Forest Service Road 151, is in very good condition, having recently been graded which also brings gravel to the surface once again. All of this is to say, please come and visit when you can. The church and welcome area open during the day, as well as our fine gift shop, carrying religious goods and books.