Br. Jude renews his monastic vows
Posted 12/8/11
Br. Jude renewed his vows in the presence of Abbot Philip and the community on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the patroness of our United States of America.
Advent/Christmas Newsletter 2011
Updated 12/1/11
Our Advent/Christmas Newsletter, 2011, is now posted
on our website. Please go to our News section, and click on
"Newsletters."
Monks Are Coming to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Albuquerque, November 26th - 27th
Updated 11/13/11
Some of our monks with be at the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, 1860 Griegos Road NW, Albuquerque, this Thanksgiving weekend, November 26th and 27th. In addition to being at the Masses and Father Christian preaching, we will be selling after all the Masses our wide range of monastery crafts, as well as religious art, quality books, food products and much more. Please join us there if you can.
Saturday afternoon, November 26th, Mass is at 5:30 pm. On Sunday, November 27th, Masses are at 7:30 am, 10:00 am, 12:30 pm (Spanish) and 6:30 pm. We are most grateful to Father Joe Vigil, pastor of the parish, for allowing us to come again to his wonderful parish.
New Novice! Updated 11/22/11
On Sunday evening, November 20, our postulant Isaac became Br. Jean-Marie. He is originally from Kenya and joined our other eight novices in the year of novitiate. Here he is pictured as Abbot Philip clothes him in the scapular while Br. Andre the Novice Master assists.
Ad multos annos!
Brother Xavier McGough, OSB
Posted 11/16/11
On Tuesday afternoon, November 15, Brother Xavier suffered a serious heart attack. He was taken to the hospital in Corsicana, Texas. From there, his condition was considered serious enough that a helicopter took him to Baylor University Coronary Care Hospital. He was responding at first. Prior Dominic had been with him the whole time. About 9:00 pm it was found that he had suffered a very serious bleeding in the brain and that there was no way to stop this process. His doctor phoned Abbot Philip shortly after 9:00 pm to tell him that nothing more could be done for him and that he would surely die fairly soon, within a few hours most likely. Prior Dominic of Thien Tam had been praying the prayers for the dying at his bedside. Brother Xavier died at 11 PM, surrounded by the monks of Thien Tam.
He had been our hermit for several years, and helped out in various capacities. He had also helped out our foundation of La Soledad in Mexico for some years, and as Novice master for a time at Christ in the Desert. He was also one of the founders of Prince of Peace Abbey in California. He was 83 when he died and in the 57th year of his monastic life.
Please pray for the repose of his soul. He will be buried at our dependant monastery of Thien Tam, Kerens, Texas.
The Monks Are Coming!
Update posted 11/9/11
This Saturday, November 12th, some of our monks will be chanting at the Monks' Corner in Santa Fe, 235 Don Gaspar, Unit 2, from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. Phone number, if you need directions: 505-982-1915.
Coming there allows people who may not be able to come here to the Monastery to experience something of the beauty and prayerfulness of Gregorian chant. We always pray the Offices of Terce, Sext and None while there, to which those present are welcome to participate. Come and join us there if you can.
That same evening some of us will be at Prince of Peace Parish in Albuquerque, located at 12500 Carmel Avenue, NE, just off of Tramway and Paseo del Norte. Phone if you need directions: 505-856-7657.
We will be at Prince of Peace selling items from our giftshop, including books, our crafts, religious images, rosaries, honey, fudge and much more. Fr Christian will preach at the weekend Masses, Saturday evening November 12th at 5:00 pm, then Sunday November 13th at 9:00 am, 10:30 am and 5:00 pm. We are most grateful to Father Michael Shea, Pastor, for allowing us once again to be there. Please come there if you can.
We have eight new novices
Posted 11/1/11
Eight postulants entered the Novitiate last night after Vespers in a private ceremony. The new novices, in alphabetical order are Br. Aelred, Fr. Aquinas, Br. Benedict (after St. Benedict the Black), Br. Joseph, Br. Luke, Br. Philip, Br. Theresio and Br. Vianney.
Please pray for their perseverance. Ad multos annos!
The Monks Are Coming!
Posted 10/24/11
This coming weekend, October 29th & 30th, Benedictines monks of the Monastery of Christ in the Desert, Abiquiu, New Mexico, will be at The Shrine of St. Bernadette, 11401 Indian School Road NE, Albuquerque, NM. They will be selling Monastery crafts (soaps, candles, lotions, lip balm, rosaries, etc.), as well as beautiful religious art, ceramics, statues, honey, icons, cooks books & more!
Come and help the Monks earn their daily bread! They will be selling after all the weekend Masses:
4:30 pm Saturday, October 29th;
Sunday, October 30: 7:30 am, 9 am, 10:45 am; 12:30pm.
We will be accepting checks, cash or credit cards (Visa and Master Card) for purchases made.
The Monks will also be going to the following Parishes:
• Prince of Peace Parish, Albuquerque, NM - Nov 12-13, 2011
• Guadalupe Parish, Albuquerque, NM - Nov 26-27, 2011
• St Jude Parish, Rio Rancho, NM - Dec 17-18, 2011
Sony makes Official announcement of our Upcoming CD
Posted 10/21/2011
Sony Music Entertainment has made it officially known about our new upcoming compilation Compact Disc, "Monks of the Desert: Blessings, Peace & Harmony". The new CD will be a compilation of our last 4 CD's and is expected to be release on February 28, 2012.
In the interim of its release, Sony Music Entertainment has produced and released a video called "Monks of the Desert - Meet the Monks of the Desert", now posted on YouTube, for promoting the new CD.
Press the play button on the video to view it from our site:
If you are having problems viewing the video you can go to:
http://youtu.be/U5YY684ZXDE
We look forward to the CD's final release.
Monastery Benefit Dinner, Sunday, October 2, 2011, To Be Held In Espanola, New Mexico
Posted 8/28/11
Mark your calendar and please plan to join us for a wonderful benefit dinner and party in Espanola, New Mexico, on Sunday, October 2. It will be held at Anthony's at the Delta Restaurant, 224 Paseo de Onate, Espanola, from noon until 3:00 pm.
Monks will be present and door prizes to be given away. The meal promises to be scrumptious too!
To purchase your tickets--$50 per person donation--please phone Brother Michael at 505-990-5353 or Darlene Armillo at 505-753-3467 or at 505-988-2900, extension 110.
Your donation will assist us in our general operating expenses for 2011.
We will be honored and delighted to see you there!
Our program retreats comes to a close for the summer
Posted 9/4/11
This July and August, 15 people participated in two retreats at the monastery on Living the Rule of Benedict in our Everyday Lives. These retreats had a rhythm of presentations on Benedictine spiritual disciplines, alternating with silent individual time and group sharing. Participants also participated in the monastic prayer times and enjoyed unscheduled free time.
Here are some comments from some the retreatants:
• Regenerative! This was truly a time of retreat, renewal, and reflection in the desert. Learning and deepening in the practices of the rule I will carry with me back home - particularly humility and obedience.
• Time was well balanced among silence, ritual-prayer, and discussion. There was a sense of acceptance and respect for each participant. The emphasis on Christ - and not on the individual as the one who "sets the stage" for deeper spiritual growth was important. I'll take home a sense of relief that I don't have to "make" the journey happen, but be prepared to listen, heart. The balance as you presented the retreat material matched my needs like a hand in a glove.
• Good pace. Nancy was very accepting of all participants and their contributions. I'm sad to have it end - will take "silence" and "lectio divina" home in my personal prayer life.
• Insightful and well-facilitated. Great material with a good mix of monastic insights from both west and east. I will take home the practice of lectio.
If you wish to sign up for future retreats, please visit our
Program Retreats page for more information.
Brother Martin McNamara and Fr Augustine Seiker made their Simple Professions on September 1st
Posted 9/2/11
On Thursday, September 1, 2011, our Benedictine Monastery of Christ in the Desert rejoiced greatly in the simple (or first) profession of monastic vows of our novices Br Martin McNamara and Fr Augustine Seiker. The ceremony was part of the conventual Mass of the day, the Mass of Religious Profession. Abbot Philip was the principal celebrant and homilist.
The monastic community and a number of laity were on hand for this great event in the lives of our two brothers. They are both very welcome additions to our abbey, with many talents and generous hearts.
A fine meal was enjoyed by all after the Mass of Profession, prepared by our Brothers Michael and Francis.
We now have six postulants whom we hope will be entering the Novitiate in the coming weeks.
Ad multos annos!
Monastery Benefit Dinner, Sunday, October 2, 2011, To Be Held In Espanola, New Mexico
Posted 8/28/11
Mark your calendar and please plan to join us for a wonderful benefit dinner and party in Espanola, New Mexico, on Sunday, October 2. It will be held at Anthony's at the Delta Restaurant, 224 Paseo de Onate, Espanola, from noon until 3:00 pm.
Monks will be present and door prizes to be given away. The meal promises to be scrumptious too!
To purchase your tickets--$50 per person donation--please phone Brother Michael at 505-990-5353 or Darlene Armillo at 505-753-3467 or at 505-988-2900, extension 110.
Your donation will assist us in our general operating expenses for 2011.
We will be honored and delighted to see you there!
Weekend at Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish, Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Posted 7/26/11
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Msgr Douglas Raun, the other clergy, religious and entire parish community of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Rio Rancho, New Mexico for their hospitality and goodness to our Monastery.
This past weekend, July 23 - 24, our Subprior Andre and Fr Christian were at that parish to sell religious goods, books, icons, as well as Monastery-made soaps, lotions, balms, candles, our CDs, and many other items. The sale was a tremendous success. The sale took place before and after all the Masses of the weekend. The Knights of Columbus held their monthly pancake breakfast that weekend also, which drew in good crowds.
Fr Christian celebrated and preached at two of the Masses and he and Brother Andre met with the Life Teen group of the parish and their leaders Sunday evening, to explain the monastic charism and our particular Monastery of Christ in the Desert.
We have numerous friends at Saint Thomas Aquinas already, and many new ones now as well as a result of our days there.
May God bless and reward all of the Msgr Raun and all the people of Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish. They and all who do good to us remain in our hearts and prayers.
The Monks Are Coming!
Posted 7/17/11
This coming weekend, July 23rd & 24th, Benedictines monks of the Monastery of Christ in the Desert, Abiquiu, New Mexico, will be at the St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1502 Sara Road, S.E., Rio Rancho, NM 87124 They will be selling Monastery crafts (soaps, candles, lotions, lip balm, rosaries, etc.), as well as beautiful religious art, ceramics, statues, honey, icons, cooks books & more!
Come and help the Monks earn their daily bread! They will be selling after all the weekend Masses: 5:00 pm Saturday, July 23rd;
Sunday, July 24th: 7, 9, 11 am; 12:30 & 6:00 pm, at St Thomas Aquinas.
They will be accepting checks, cash or credit cards (Visa and Master Card) for purchases made.
Summer 2011 Newsletter Now Online
Posted 6/30/11
Enjoy our summer 2011 Monastery Newsletter
online, found on our News Page under "Newsletters."
You can also view or download past newsletters in our Newsletter section
Conferences by Father Boniface Ramsey
Posted 6/30/11
This week our monastic community has enjoyed the presence and fine conferences of Father Boniface James Ramsey, patriotic scholar and pastor of Saint Joseph Church, Yorkville (Manhattan), New York. In his twice daily lectures to us, Father has expounded on themes in the patristic tradition of the Church relating to martyrdom, monastic life and virginity.
Father Ramsey is the translator of John Cassian's Institutes and Conferences, part of the monumental Ancient Christian Writers series, published by Paulist Press. Father Ramsey received his doctorate from the Institute Catholique in Paris and taught patrology for many years at Immaculate Conception Seminary, Seton Hall University.
Other works by Father Ramsey include a translation of The Sermons of Maximus of Turin, also in the Ancient Christian Writers series. Later this year his excellent Beginning to Read the Fathers will be reissued by Paulist Press, a completely revised version of his earlier work.
We have been honored and enriched to have Father Boniface Ramsey with us and we hope he can return again.
Our Monastery Stores in Santa Fe
Posted 6/30/11
At The Monks' Corner, two blocks south of the historic plaza downtown, you'll find a wide variety of items to suit your needs of gift giving or collecting - sacred art, folk art, hand-made items, both useful and decorative, from monasteries and artisans in New Mexico and throughout the world. Your purchases help support our life and work. Our many `regulars' tell us our charming shop is a respite in the midst of a busy town.
We have welcomed the entire product line of Santa Fe Lavender - a locally owned and operated lavender farm in Nambe that produces quality products for home, body and bath. We even carry culinary lavender, lavender berry preserves and a lavender cookbook!
The Community Thrift Store, located just off Cerrillos Road, has a fine selection of gently used items with regular markdowns on many or most items. They also welcome your quality donations for the benefit of the Monastery.
The Monks' Corner: 235 Don Gaspar at Alameda, 505-982-1915
The Community Thrift Store: 1306 Clark Street, 505-473-0972
We Will Be At Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Albuquerque, June 18 and 19, Father's Day Weekend
Posted 5/28/11
Some of our monks with be at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Albuquerque,NM, Father's Day weekend, June 18 - 19. The church is at 12500 Carmel Avenue,NE. We will have many of our crafts, as well as religious goods and books from our giftshop for sale after all the Masses that weekend, beginning with the 5:00 pm Mass on Saturday evening. The Masses on Sunday are at 9:00 am, 10:30 am and 5:00 pm. The pastor of the parish, Father Michael J. Shea, is a good friend and support to our Monastery and we always enjoying going there to see him and the wonderful people of Prince of Peace parish. Please join us there if you can.
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Brother Benedict (Gottfried Otto) Lang, OSB
Posted 6/12/11
Monk of the Monastery of Christ in the Desert in New Mexico in the United States of America, who died peacefully on June 9, 2011, at about 9:00 am, at the age of 92.
Friedl Lang was born on March 24, 1919, in Oberammergau, Germany. He came to the United States when he was young in order to avoid the problems of what was happening in Germany.
He married Martha and they had eight children. Friedl had a doctorate in anthropology and taught at Catholic University of America in Washington DC, and later at the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colorado. After the death of his wife, Martha, he entered 0ur community on October 1, 2005, being given the name of Benedict. He became a claustral oblate and made his oblation on March 24, 2007.
Earlier this year Brother Benedict fell and broke a hip and he never really recovered from that.
May he rest in peace.
Dr William Turney Comes to Our Monastery
Posted 6/6/11
Over the past months we have been privileged to have Dr William (Billy) Turney, founder and director of the Schola Cantorum of Santa Fe, assisting us with vocal technique and organ lessons. Dr Turney spends a morning here every few weeks and works with the entire monastic community.
Dr Turney also meets with the brothers who know some piano or organ, to perfect their skills in order to occasionally accompany the chant. Dr Turney studied at Rome's prestigious Pontifical Institute of Sacred Liturgy, where Gregorian chant takes pride of place.
We are thankful to Dr Turney for his generous assistance to us. He and his wife Lucinda have been friends of our Monastery for many years and we are grateful for their help to us in the realm of sacred music, so much a part of our lives as Benedictine monks.
Misplaced Monastery
Posted 5/28/11
The usually fine and accurate international monastic bulletin/journal of A.I.M., that is, the "Alliance for International Monasticism," (volume No. 97, 2009, page 104-105), in a small piece on monasteries established in the USA in the last 50 years, lists our Monastery of Christ in Desert as located in Arizona!
Not that we have anything against Arizona, but our abbey, since its founding in 1964, has been located New Mexico, in the archdiocese of Santa Fe.
A monthly article in our state's "New Mexico Magazine" always has notices about people misplacing our wonderful state as part of Mexico or simply non-existent. Looks like our Benedictine brothers also deserve a spot in the "One of Our Fifty Is Missing" page of the "New Mexico Magazine."
Meet Our Monks On the Plaza, Mesilla, New Mexico,
This Mother's Day Weekend
Posted 5/4/11
Some of our monks will be in Mesilla, NM, on the plaza, this Mother's Day weekend, May 7 - 8. Fr Richard Catanach, Rector of the Basilica of San Albino, has invited us to be part of the Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Mesilla and to sell our crafts, books, and religious goods from our giftshop all day Saturday and Sunday in front of the Basilica of San Albino, on the plaza. Please join us.
Fr Christian will be celebrant and homilist at the Saturday Vigil Mass (5:30 pm, in English) and at the 8:00 am Mass in Spanish.
Holy Week and Easter 2011
Posted 4/26/2011
Holy Week, the Sacred Triduum and Easter celebrations at the Monastery were again a time of God's grace and blessings. In addition to the resident monastic community and guests on private retreat here during those days, people from the surrounding area joined us for the sacred liturgies. These included Palm Sunday Mass, Holy Thursday evening Mass of the Lord's Supper, the Good Friday Way of the Cross and mid-afternoon solemn celebration of the Lord's Passion as well as the Easter Sunday Vigil Mass, beginning at 3:00 am, and finally the day Mass at 11:00 am on Easter Sunday.
Beginning Holy Saturday and extending into Easter Week, we have been receiving some rain, much need in this part of the country. The road to the Monastery, Forest Service Road 151, remains passable with ordinary vehicles.
To all our friends, near and far, we extend a blessed fifty days of joyful Paschaltide celebrations, in the light of the Risen Savior, extending from now until Pentecost Sunday on June 12th. Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!
Film Recommendation: Of Gods and Men
Posted 4/11/11
Rare is the occasion (in fact this is the first time) that we recommend a film in the News section of our website. The film won the 2010 Grand Prix du Jury at the prestigious Cannes Film festival and is by one of France's top filmmakers, Xavier Beauvois. OF GODS AND MEN is the name of the film, now being shown in select cities across the United States and presumably elsewhere, hopefully available on DVD before long.
OF GODS AND MEN is based on the final months of the French Trappist monks of Tibhirine Monastery, seven of whom lost their lives in 1996 during the civil strife in their adopted country of Algeria. The actors who play the brothers of Tibhirine convincingly show the joys and challenges of the consecrated life lived in the midst of a violence-filled environment outside the gates of the cloister.
An authentic and moving portrayal of the meaning of Benedictine stability and perseverance occurs throughout the film as the monks go about their daily round of prayer and work, but ultimately called to give their lives in the service of God and neighbor. The film is not violent, despite the violent deaths of the seven monks, and is very sensitive in its portrayal of ancient yet ever new Benedictine monastic principles and practices, especially prayer, work and hospitality.
Besides one piece of music played by the monks at an evening meal (from Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake), the only other music in the film is the brothers chanting the Divine Office and Mass. It was a daring move and wholly successful to have a fairly silent monastic movie.
This film is highly recommended.
RECENT PARISH VISITS
Posted 4/10/11
Our sincere thanks to a number of clergy and parish communities who graciously welcomed us into their midst in recent weeks. While there either parish missions or Mornings (in one case an entire day) of Monastic Reflection were offered by our Fathers Christian Leisy and Francisco Alanis Rios on the following days and places:
March 19-23: San Felipe de Jesus Church, Capistrano Beach, California
March 26-27: Saint Anne's Church, Houston, Texas
April 2-3: Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Portland, Oregon
April 7-10: Saint Philip of Jesus Church, San Antonio, Texas
The clergy and people of each of these parishes were tremendous hosts and a great blessing in our lives. The generosity of each community to our Monastery of Christ in the Desert is also greatly appreciated. We keep all of them in our prayers and extend our deep gratitude.
Monastic Conferences
Posted 3/17/11
We monks are greatly honored this week by the presence of Dr. Marsha L. Dutton, Professor of Medieval English Literature at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, and Associate Editor of Cistercian Studies Quarterly. Dr Dutton is giving us conferences on St. Aelred of Rievaulx and Monastic Community. Our own founder was Fr. Aelred Wall, named after St. Aelred of Rievaux, whose writings we are learning more about this week. We are most grateful to Dr. Dutton for her excellent conferences and hope she might return again in the future.
Events Were Held in Mesilla, NM and Round Rock, TX
Posted 3/6/11
We extend our belated but heartfelt thanks to two wonderful parishes who recently hosted us.
On the weekend of February 5 - 6, our Father Christian Leisy and Brother Gerard Sequeira were at the parish Basilica of San Albino, Mesilla, New Mexico, in the Diocese of Las Cruces.
Our two monks presented a Morning of Monastic Reflection at San Albino on Saturday, February 5, and despite the exceptional cold of that weekend,there was a good turnout. On Saturday evening and Sunday morning Father Christian celebrated and preached at all the Masses.
Giftshop items were sold after the weekend Masses by Brother Gerard and other helpers. Many thanks to Father Richard Catanach, Rector and Pastor of the Basilica parish, and to his staff and parishioners who made us feel completely at home and whose generosity to our projects at the Monastery is very much appreciated. May God reward them!
The weekend of February 12 - 13, Father Christian was at the parish of Saint William, Round Rock, Texas, in the Diocese of Austin. He conducted a Morning of Monastic Reflection on February 12 at the parish and preached at several of the weekend Masses. Father Dean Wilhelm, Pastor, has been a friend of our monastery for many years. He and Father Jonathan Raia and Father Alberto Borreul were most gracious hosts. To them and all who made the weekend a wonderful experience, we offer our thanks and prayers.
Renewal of Simple Profession
Posted 2/2/11
Brother Giles, CFR, of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal renewed his temporary vows today at Mass. He and a few members of his community are here on retreat. Father Leo Fisher, CFR, local servant (superior) of San Juan Diego Friary in Albuquerque received Br Giles' renewal of vows.
Renewal of Simple Profession
Posted 1/30/11
Br. John Baptist Tran renewed his Simple Profession yesterday in a private ceremony in our Chapter Room. He is from the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City, and is currently living in our Foundation of Thien Tam (Sacred Heart), near Kerens, TX.
Annual Meeting of Superiors
Posted: 1/22/11
Christ in the Desert hosted the North American Superiors of the Subiaco Congregation for their annual meeting. The Superiors of St Scholastica Priory, Petersham, Massachusetts, USA, St Mary's Monastery, Petersham, Massachusetts, USA, The Monastery of Our Lady of Tepeyac, San Francisco Culhuacan, Coyoacan, Mexico, The Monastery of La Soledad, Atotonilco, Guanajuato, Mexico, The Monastery of Our Lady of the Desert, Gobernador, New Mexico, USA, The Monastery of Santa Maria y Todos los Santos, Texin, Veracruz, Mexico, The Monastery of the Holy Cross, Chicago, Illinois, USA, The Monastery of Thien Tam, Kerens, Texas, USA were all here for three days of discussions.
Posted 12/8/11
Br. Jude renewed his vows in the presence of Abbot Philip and the community on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the patroness of our United States of America.
Advent/Christmas Newsletter 2011
Updated 12/1/11
Our Advent/Christmas Newsletter, 2011, is now posted
on our website. Please go to our News section, and click on
"Newsletters."
Monks Are Coming to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Albuquerque, November 26th - 27th
Updated 11/13/11
Some of our monks with be at the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, 1860 Griegos Road NW, Albuquerque, this Thanksgiving weekend, November 26th and 27th. In addition to being at the Masses and Father Christian preaching, we will be selling after all the Masses our wide range of monastery crafts, as well as religious art, quality books, food products and much more. Please join us there if you can.
Saturday afternoon, November 26th, Mass is at 5:30 pm. On Sunday, November 27th, Masses are at 7:30 am, 10:00 am, 12:30 pm (Spanish) and 6:30 pm. We are most grateful to Father Joe Vigil, pastor of the parish, for allowing us to come again to his wonderful parish.
New Novice! Updated 11/22/11
On Sunday evening, November 20, our postulant Isaac became Br. Jean-Marie. He is originally from Kenya and joined our other eight novices in the year of novitiate. Here he is pictured as Abbot Philip clothes him in the scapular while Br. Andre the Novice Master assists.
Ad multos annos!
Brother Xavier McGough, OSB
Posted 11/16/11
On Tuesday afternoon, November 15, Brother Xavier suffered a serious heart attack. He was taken to the hospital in Corsicana, Texas. From there, his condition was considered serious enough that a helicopter took him to Baylor University Coronary Care Hospital. He was responding at first. Prior Dominic had been with him the whole time. About 9:00 pm it was found that he had suffered a very serious bleeding in the brain and that there was no way to stop this process. His doctor phoned Abbot Philip shortly after 9:00 pm to tell him that nothing more could be done for him and that he would surely die fairly soon, within a few hours most likely. Prior Dominic of Thien Tam had been praying the prayers for the dying at his bedside. Brother Xavier died at 11 PM, surrounded by the monks of Thien Tam.
He had been our hermit for several years, and helped out in various capacities. He had also helped out our foundation of La Soledad in Mexico for some years, and as Novice master for a time at Christ in the Desert. He was also one of the founders of Prince of Peace Abbey in California. He was 83 when he died and in the 57th year of his monastic life.
Please pray for the repose of his soul. He will be buried at our dependant monastery of Thien Tam, Kerens, Texas.
The Monks Are Coming!
Update posted 11/9/11
This Saturday, November 12th, some of our monks will be chanting at the Monks' Corner in Santa Fe, 235 Don Gaspar, Unit 2, from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. Phone number, if you need directions: 505-982-1915.
Coming there allows people who may not be able to come here to the Monastery to experience something of the beauty and prayerfulness of Gregorian chant. We always pray the Offices of Terce, Sext and None while there, to which those present are welcome to participate. Come and join us there if you can.
That same evening some of us will be at Prince of Peace Parish in Albuquerque, located at 12500 Carmel Avenue, NE, just off of Tramway and Paseo del Norte. Phone if you need directions: 505-856-7657.
We will be at Prince of Peace selling items from our giftshop, including books, our crafts, religious images, rosaries, honey, fudge and much more. Fr Christian will preach at the weekend Masses, Saturday evening November 12th at 5:00 pm, then Sunday November 13th at 9:00 am, 10:30 am and 5:00 pm. We are most grateful to Father Michael Shea, Pastor, for allowing us once again to be there. Please come there if you can.
We have eight new novices
Posted 11/1/11
Eight postulants entered the Novitiate last night after Vespers in a private ceremony. The new novices, in alphabetical order are Br. Aelred, Fr. Aquinas, Br. Benedict (after St. Benedict the Black), Br. Joseph, Br. Luke, Br. Philip, Br. Theresio and Br. Vianney.
Please pray for their perseverance. Ad multos annos!
The Monks Are Coming!
Posted 10/24/11
This coming weekend, October 29th & 30th, Benedictines monks of the Monastery of Christ in the Desert, Abiquiu, New Mexico, will be at The Shrine of St. Bernadette, 11401 Indian School Road NE, Albuquerque, NM. They will be selling Monastery crafts (soaps, candles, lotions, lip balm, rosaries, etc.), as well as beautiful religious art, ceramics, statues, honey, icons, cooks books & more!
Come and help the Monks earn their daily bread! They will be selling after all the weekend Masses:
4:30 pm Saturday, October 29th;
Sunday, October 30: 7:30 am, 9 am, 10:45 am; 12:30pm.
We will be accepting checks, cash or credit cards (Visa and Master Card) for purchases made.
The Monks will also be going to the following Parishes:
• Prince of Peace Parish, Albuquerque, NM - Nov 12-13, 2011
• Guadalupe Parish, Albuquerque, NM - Nov 26-27, 2011
• St Jude Parish, Rio Rancho, NM - Dec 17-18, 2011
Sony makes Official announcement of our Upcoming CD
Posted 10/21/2011
Sony Music Entertainment has made it officially known about our new upcoming compilation Compact Disc, "Monks of the Desert: Blessings, Peace & Harmony". The new CD will be a compilation of our last 4 CD's and is expected to be release on February 28, 2012.
In the interim of its release, Sony Music Entertainment has produced and released a video called "Monks of the Desert - Meet the Monks of the Desert", now posted on YouTube, for promoting the new CD.
If you are having problems viewing the video you can go to:
http://youtu.be/U5YY684ZXDE
We look forward to the CD's final release.
Monastery Benefit Dinner, Sunday, October 2, 2011, To Be Held In Espanola, New Mexico
Posted 8/28/11
Mark your calendar and please plan to join us for a wonderful benefit dinner and party in Espanola, New Mexico, on Sunday, October 2. It will be held at Anthony's at the Delta Restaurant, 224 Paseo de Onate, Espanola, from noon until 3:00 pm.
Monks will be present and door prizes to be given away. The meal promises to be scrumptious too!
To purchase your tickets--$50 per person donation--please phone Brother Michael at 505-990-5353 or Darlene Armillo at 505-753-3467 or at 505-988-2900, extension 110.
Your donation will assist us in our general operating expenses for 2011.
We will be honored and delighted to see you there!
Our program retreats comes to a close for the summer
Posted 9/4/11
This July and August, 15 people participated in two retreats at the monastery on Living the Rule of Benedict in our Everyday Lives. These retreats had a rhythm of presentations on Benedictine spiritual disciplines, alternating with silent individual time and group sharing. Participants also participated in the monastic prayer times and enjoyed unscheduled free time.
Here are some comments from some the retreatants:
• Regenerative! This was truly a time of retreat, renewal, and reflection in the desert. Learning and deepening in the practices of the rule I will carry with me back home - particularly humility and obedience.
• Time was well balanced among silence, ritual-prayer, and discussion. There was a sense of acceptance and respect for each participant. The emphasis on Christ - and not on the individual as the one who "sets the stage" for deeper spiritual growth was important. I'll take home a sense of relief that I don't have to "make" the journey happen, but be prepared to listen, heart. The balance as you presented the retreat material matched my needs like a hand in a glove.
• Good pace. Nancy was very accepting of all participants and their contributions. I'm sad to have it end - will take "silence" and "lectio divina" home in my personal prayer life.
• Insightful and well-facilitated. Great material with a good mix of monastic insights from both west and east. I will take home the practice of lectio.
If you wish to sign up for future retreats, please visit our
Program Retreats page for more information.
Brother Martin McNamara and Fr Augustine Seiker made their Simple Professions on September 1st
Posted 9/2/11
On Thursday, September 1, 2011, our Benedictine Monastery of Christ in the Desert rejoiced greatly in the simple (or first) profession of monastic vows of our novices Br Martin McNamara and Fr Augustine Seiker. The ceremony was part of the conventual Mass of the day, the Mass of Religious Profession. Abbot Philip was the principal celebrant and homilist.
The monastic community and a number of laity were on hand for this great event in the lives of our two brothers. They are both very welcome additions to our abbey, with many talents and generous hearts.
A fine meal was enjoyed by all after the Mass of Profession, prepared by our Brothers Michael and Francis.
We now have six postulants whom we hope will be entering the Novitiate in the coming weeks.
Ad multos annos!
Monastery Benefit Dinner, Sunday, October 2, 2011, To Be Held In Espanola, New Mexico
Posted 8/28/11
Mark your calendar and please plan to join us for a wonderful benefit dinner and party in Espanola, New Mexico, on Sunday, October 2. It will be held at Anthony's at the Delta Restaurant, 224 Paseo de Onate, Espanola, from noon until 3:00 pm.
Monks will be present and door prizes to be given away. The meal promises to be scrumptious too!
To purchase your tickets--$50 per person donation--please phone Brother Michael at 505-990-5353 or Darlene Armillo at 505-753-3467 or at 505-988-2900, extension 110.
Your donation will assist us in our general operating expenses for 2011.
We will be honored and delighted to see you there!
Weekend at Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish, Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Posted 7/26/11
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Msgr Douglas Raun, the other clergy, religious and entire parish community of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Rio Rancho, New Mexico for their hospitality and goodness to our Monastery.
This past weekend, July 23 - 24, our Subprior Andre and Fr Christian were at that parish to sell religious goods, books, icons, as well as Monastery-made soaps, lotions, balms, candles, our CDs, and many other items. The sale was a tremendous success. The sale took place before and after all the Masses of the weekend. The Knights of Columbus held their monthly pancake breakfast that weekend also, which drew in good crowds.
Fr Christian celebrated and preached at two of the Masses and he and Brother Andre met with the Life Teen group of the parish and their leaders Sunday evening, to explain the monastic charism and our particular Monastery of Christ in the Desert.
We have numerous friends at Saint Thomas Aquinas already, and many new ones now as well as a result of our days there.
May God bless and reward all of the Msgr Raun and all the people of Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish. They and all who do good to us remain in our hearts and prayers.
The Monks Are Coming!
Posted 7/17/11
This coming weekend, July 23rd & 24th, Benedictines monks of the Monastery of Christ in the Desert, Abiquiu, New Mexico, will be at the St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1502 Sara Road, S.E., Rio Rancho, NM 87124 They will be selling Monastery crafts (soaps, candles, lotions, lip balm, rosaries, etc.), as well as beautiful religious art, ceramics, statues, honey, icons, cooks books & more!
Come and help the Monks earn their daily bread! They will be selling after all the weekend Masses: 5:00 pm Saturday, July 23rd;
Sunday, July 24th: 7, 9, 11 am; 12:30 & 6:00 pm, at St Thomas Aquinas.
They will be accepting checks, cash or credit cards (Visa and Master Card) for purchases made.
Summer 2011 Newsletter Now Online
Posted 6/30/11
Enjoy our summer 2011 Monastery Newsletter
online, found on our News Page under "Newsletters."
You can also view or download past newsletters in our Newsletter section
Conferences by Father Boniface Ramsey
Posted 6/30/11
This week our monastic community has enjoyed the presence and fine conferences of Father Boniface James Ramsey, patriotic scholar and pastor of Saint Joseph Church, Yorkville (Manhattan), New York. In his twice daily lectures to us, Father has expounded on themes in the patristic tradition of the Church relating to martyrdom, monastic life and virginity.
Father Ramsey is the translator of John Cassian's Institutes and Conferences, part of the monumental Ancient Christian Writers series, published by Paulist Press. Father Ramsey received his doctorate from the Institute Catholique in Paris and taught patrology for many years at Immaculate Conception Seminary, Seton Hall University.
Other works by Father Ramsey include a translation of The Sermons of Maximus of Turin, also in the Ancient Christian Writers series. Later this year his excellent Beginning to Read the Fathers will be reissued by Paulist Press, a completely revised version of his earlier work.
We have been honored and enriched to have Father Boniface Ramsey with us and we hope he can return again.
Our Monastery Stores in Santa Fe
Posted 6/30/11
At The Monks' Corner, two blocks south of the historic plaza downtown, you'll find a wide variety of items to suit your needs of gift giving or collecting - sacred art, folk art, hand-made items, both useful and decorative, from monasteries and artisans in New Mexico and throughout the world. Your purchases help support our life and work. Our many `regulars' tell us our charming shop is a respite in the midst of a busy town.
We have welcomed the entire product line of Santa Fe Lavender - a locally owned and operated lavender farm in Nambe that produces quality products for home, body and bath. We even carry culinary lavender, lavender berry preserves and a lavender cookbook!
The Community Thrift Store, located just off Cerrillos Road, has a fine selection of gently used items with regular markdowns on many or most items. They also welcome your quality donations for the benefit of the Monastery.
The Monks' Corner: 235 Don Gaspar at Alameda, 505-982-1915
The Community Thrift Store: 1306 Clark Street, 505-473-0972
We Will Be At Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Albuquerque, June 18 and 19, Father's Day Weekend
Posted 5/28/11
Some of our monks with be at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Albuquerque,NM, Father's Day weekend, June 18 - 19. The church is at 12500 Carmel Avenue,NE. We will have many of our crafts, as well as religious goods and books from our giftshop for sale after all the Masses that weekend, beginning with the 5:00 pm Mass on Saturday evening. The Masses on Sunday are at 9:00 am, 10:30 am and 5:00 pm. The pastor of the parish, Father Michael J. Shea, is a good friend and support to our Monastery and we always enjoying going there to see him and the wonderful people of Prince of Peace parish. Please join us there if you can.
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Brother Benedict (Gottfried Otto) Lang, OSB
Posted 6/12/11
Monk of the Monastery of Christ in the Desert in New Mexico in the United States of America, who died peacefully on June 9, 2011, at about 9:00 am, at the age of 92.
Friedl Lang was born on March 24, 1919, in Oberammergau, Germany. He came to the United States when he was young in order to avoid the problems of what was happening in Germany.
He married Martha and they had eight children. Friedl had a doctorate in anthropology and taught at Catholic University of America in Washington DC, and later at the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colorado. After the death of his wife, Martha, he entered 0ur community on October 1, 2005, being given the name of Benedict. He became a claustral oblate and made his oblation on March 24, 2007.
Earlier this year Brother Benedict fell and broke a hip and he never really recovered from that.
May he rest in peace.
Dr William Turney Comes to Our Monastery
Posted 6/6/11
Over the past months we have been privileged to have Dr William (Billy) Turney, founder and director of the Schola Cantorum of Santa Fe, assisting us with vocal technique and organ lessons. Dr Turney spends a morning here every few weeks and works with the entire monastic community.
Dr Turney also meets with the brothers who know some piano or organ, to perfect their skills in order to occasionally accompany the chant. Dr Turney studied at Rome's prestigious Pontifical Institute of Sacred Liturgy, where Gregorian chant takes pride of place.
We are thankful to Dr Turney for his generous assistance to us. He and his wife Lucinda have been friends of our Monastery for many years and we are grateful for their help to us in the realm of sacred music, so much a part of our lives as Benedictine monks.
Misplaced Monastery
Posted 5/28/11
The usually fine and accurate international monastic bulletin/journal of A.I.M., that is, the "Alliance for International Monasticism," (volume No. 97, 2009, page 104-105), in a small piece on monasteries established in the USA in the last 50 years, lists our Monastery of Christ in Desert as located in Arizona!
Not that we have anything against Arizona, but our abbey, since its founding in 1964, has been located New Mexico, in the archdiocese of Santa Fe.
A monthly article in our state's "New Mexico Magazine" always has notices about people misplacing our wonderful state as part of Mexico or simply non-existent. Looks like our Benedictine brothers also deserve a spot in the "One of Our Fifty Is Missing" page of the "New Mexico Magazine."
Meet Our Monks On the Plaza, Mesilla, New Mexico,
This Mother's Day Weekend
Posted 5/4/11
Some of our monks will be in Mesilla, NM, on the plaza, this Mother's Day weekend, May 7 - 8. Fr Richard Catanach, Rector of the Basilica of San Albino, has invited us to be part of the Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Mesilla and to sell our crafts, books, and religious goods from our giftshop all day Saturday and Sunday in front of the Basilica of San Albino, on the plaza. Please join us.
Fr Christian will be celebrant and homilist at the Saturday Vigil Mass (5:30 pm, in English) and at the 8:00 am Mass in Spanish.
Holy Week and Easter 2011
Posted 4/26/2011
Holy Week, the Sacred Triduum and Easter celebrations at the Monastery were again a time of God's grace and blessings. In addition to the resident monastic community and guests on private retreat here during those days, people from the surrounding area joined us for the sacred liturgies. These included Palm Sunday Mass, Holy Thursday evening Mass of the Lord's Supper, the Good Friday Way of the Cross and mid-afternoon solemn celebration of the Lord's Passion as well as the Easter Sunday Vigil Mass, beginning at 3:00 am, and finally the day Mass at 11:00 am on Easter Sunday.
Beginning Holy Saturday and extending into Easter Week, we have been receiving some rain, much need in this part of the country. The road to the Monastery, Forest Service Road 151, remains passable with ordinary vehicles.
To all our friends, near and far, we extend a blessed fifty days of joyful Paschaltide celebrations, in the light of the Risen Savior, extending from now until Pentecost Sunday on June 12th. Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!
Film Recommendation: Of Gods and Men
Posted 4/11/11
Rare is the occasion (in fact this is the first time) that we recommend a film in the News section of our website. The film won the 2010 Grand Prix du Jury at the prestigious Cannes Film festival and is by one of France's top filmmakers, Xavier Beauvois. OF GODS AND MEN is the name of the film, now being shown in select cities across the United States and presumably elsewhere, hopefully available on DVD before long.
OF GODS AND MEN is based on the final months of the French Trappist monks of Tibhirine Monastery, seven of whom lost their lives in 1996 during the civil strife in their adopted country of Algeria. The actors who play the brothers of Tibhirine convincingly show the joys and challenges of the consecrated life lived in the midst of a violence-filled environment outside the gates of the cloister.
An authentic and moving portrayal of the meaning of Benedictine stability and perseverance occurs throughout the film as the monks go about their daily round of prayer and work, but ultimately called to give their lives in the service of God and neighbor. The film is not violent, despite the violent deaths of the seven monks, and is very sensitive in its portrayal of ancient yet ever new Benedictine monastic principles and practices, especially prayer, work and hospitality.
Besides one piece of music played by the monks at an evening meal (from Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake), the only other music in the film is the brothers chanting the Divine Office and Mass. It was a daring move and wholly successful to have a fairly silent monastic movie.
This film is highly recommended.
RECENT PARISH VISITS
Posted 4/10/11
Our sincere thanks to a number of clergy and parish communities who graciously welcomed us into their midst in recent weeks. While there either parish missions or Mornings (in one case an entire day) of Monastic Reflection were offered by our Fathers Christian Leisy and Francisco Alanis Rios on the following days and places:
March 19-23: San Felipe de Jesus Church, Capistrano Beach, California
March 26-27: Saint Anne's Church, Houston, Texas
April 2-3: Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Portland, Oregon
April 7-10: Saint Philip of Jesus Church, San Antonio, Texas
The clergy and people of each of these parishes were tremendous hosts and a great blessing in our lives. The generosity of each community to our Monastery of Christ in the Desert is also greatly appreciated. We keep all of them in our prayers and extend our deep gratitude.
Monastic Conferences
Posted 3/17/11
We monks are greatly honored this week by the presence of Dr. Marsha L. Dutton, Professor of Medieval English Literature at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, and Associate Editor of Cistercian Studies Quarterly. Dr Dutton is giving us conferences on St. Aelred of Rievaulx and Monastic Community. Our own founder was Fr. Aelred Wall, named after St. Aelred of Rievaux, whose writings we are learning more about this week. We are most grateful to Dr. Dutton for her excellent conferences and hope she might return again in the future.
Events Were Held in Mesilla, NM and Round Rock, TX
Posted 3/6/11
We extend our belated but heartfelt thanks to two wonderful parishes who recently hosted us.
On the weekend of February 5 - 6, our Father Christian Leisy and Brother Gerard Sequeira were at the parish Basilica of San Albino, Mesilla, New Mexico, in the Diocese of Las Cruces.
Our two monks presented a Morning of Monastic Reflection at San Albino on Saturday, February 5, and despite the exceptional cold of that weekend,there was a good turnout. On Saturday evening and Sunday morning Father Christian celebrated and preached at all the Masses.
Giftshop items were sold after the weekend Masses by Brother Gerard and other helpers. Many thanks to Father Richard Catanach, Rector and Pastor of the Basilica parish, and to his staff and parishioners who made us feel completely at home and whose generosity to our projects at the Monastery is very much appreciated. May God reward them!
The weekend of February 12 - 13, Father Christian was at the parish of Saint William, Round Rock, Texas, in the Diocese of Austin. He conducted a Morning of Monastic Reflection on February 12 at the parish and preached at several of the weekend Masses. Father Dean Wilhelm, Pastor, has been a friend of our monastery for many years. He and Father Jonathan Raia and Father Alberto Borreul were most gracious hosts. To them and all who made the weekend a wonderful experience, we offer our thanks and prayers.
Renewal of Simple Profession
Posted 2/2/11
Brother Giles, CFR, of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal renewed his temporary vows today at Mass. He and a few members of his community are here on retreat. Father Leo Fisher, CFR, local servant (superior) of San Juan Diego Friary in Albuquerque received Br Giles' renewal of vows.
Renewal of Simple Profession
Posted 1/30/11
Br. John Baptist Tran renewed his Simple Profession yesterday in a private ceremony in our Chapter Room. He is from the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City, and is currently living in our Foundation of Thien Tam (Sacred Heart), near Kerens, TX.
Annual Meeting of Superiors
Posted: 1/22/11
Christ in the Desert hosted the North American Superiors of the Subiaco Congregation for their annual meeting. The Superiors of St Scholastica Priory, Petersham, Massachusetts, USA, St Mary's Monastery, Petersham, Massachusetts, USA, The Monastery of Our Lady of Tepeyac, San Francisco Culhuacan, Coyoacan, Mexico, The Monastery of La Soledad, Atotonilco, Guanajuato, Mexico, The Monastery of Our Lady of the Desert, Gobernador, New Mexico, USA, The Monastery of Santa Maria y Todos los Santos, Texin, Veracruz, Mexico, The Monastery of the Holy Cross, Chicago, Illinois, USA, The Monastery of Thien Tam, Kerens, Texas, USA were all here for three days of discussions.