The Monastery of Christ in the Desert
Our Benedictine monastic community near Abiquiu, New Mexico, warmly welcomes you to our Abbey on the banks of the Chama River.
Be our Guest
We welcome both day visitors and overnight guests for self-directed retreats. We celebrate mass daily, and invite you to pray with us.
Support Us
This monastic community is possible only by the generous support of friends like you. While the Monastery is an officially recognized Roman Catholic organization, it does not receive any direct financial support from the Church.
Visit our Gift Shop
We sell statuettes, plaques, boxes, and CDs of our chants. 100% of the proceeds support our monks and upkeep of the abbey.
Abbot’s Notes, Homilies, and News
We invite you to subscribe to our newsletters to receive homilies and news directly via email.
SECOND ESL GRADUATION
The Monastery just celebrated the graduation of its second class of five “student” monks from a three week long immersion into learning English. The class was directed by Dr. Bill Nagel, a graduate from the University of Arkansas and a certified ESL teacher. He...
read moreThe Abbot’s Notebook for October 18, 2017
The Abbot's Notebook for October 18, 2017 My sisters and brothers in Christ, Blessings to you! There are days when, even if I am home, I find it difficult to write anything. This happened before my present health challenges, although these present challenges have...
read more29th Sunday of Ordinary Time-Cycle A–2017
29th Sunday of Ordinary Time-Cycle A--2017 FIRST READING Isaiah 45:1, 4-6 Thus says the Lord to his anointed, Cyrus, whose right hand I grasp, subduing nations before him, and making kings run in his service, opening doors before him and leaving the gates unbarred: ...
read moreImpressions of Italy and Life: Friends
Impressions of Italy and Life: Friends Living “far from home,” I sometimes ponder the place and importance of friendship in my life. Keeping contact, at least on occasion, with those I hold near and dear is part of the adventure of working in a place that is not...
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Daily Martyrology for October 20, 2017
In Constantinople, in 766, St. Andrew of Crete, monk and martyr. He went to Constantinople to defend the veneration of images and was executed by Emperor Constantine V.In 1889, in France, Blessed Mary Teresa de Soubiran. She was raised in a wealthy and devout family, and became a Beguine. In 1864 she founded the Society of Mary the Helper, inspired by the spirit of St. Ignatius of Loyola. The sisters devoted themselves to caring for young working women and orphans, and teaching... read more
Prayer and Chant
Learn more about the Monastic Day or review our Daily Prayer Schedule.
Prayer Requests and Mass Intentions
We are glad to include your requests for prayer in our daily chanting of the psalms. Mass intentions (including the delivery of a Mass card) may be requested for small stipend.
Our Chanting
We have recordings of our chants available on CD and MP3.
Ave Maria
Daily Prayer and Mass Schedule
All are welcome to join us at daily worship. Click here for our daily prayer schedule which begins at 4:00am and ends at 7:30pm.
Current Road Conditions
Updated at 5:00 am on Friday, October 20, 2017
The road leading to the Monastery, Forest Service Road 151, is passable for all vehicles.