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.
MONASTIC RETREAT
THE MONKS OF THE COMMUNITY ARE ON RETREAT FROM MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY, NOV 12-17, AND WHILE THE CHURCH IS OPEN FOR VISITORS, THE GIFT SHOP IS CLOSED AS IS THE GUESTHOUSE.
read moreThe Abbot’s Notebook for November 14, 2018
The Abbot’s Notebook for November 14, 2018 My sisters and brothers in Christ, Blessings to you! This past week I have received a bad cold and sore throat as a gift from others. I presided at the temporary vows of our Brother Emmanuel Dao Van Rinh, barely able to...
read more33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time — Cycle B — 2018
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time -- Cycle B -- 2018 First Reading Daniel 12:1-3 In those days, I, Daniel, heard this word of the Lord: "At that time there shall arise Michael, the great prince, guardian of your people; it shall be a time unsurpassed...
read moreImpressions of Rome: Book Presentation
Dom Roberto Ferrari, a forty-something Italian monk who is completing his doctorate in spirituality, lives at our Curia Sant’Ambrogio here in Rome. Ferrari has published a number of books, and most recently, one on the relationship between State and Religion in Italy,...
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Daily Martyrology for November 20, 2018
In 869, in England, the martyrdom of St. Edmund. He was a revered king of East Anglia who was killed by the invading Vikings. His body was later found incorrupt, and he became venerated as a model of heroism and holiness. His life was written by Abbo of Fleury (November 13) at the request of St. Dunstan (May 19), and about 1020, King Knut founded the abbey of Bury St. Edmund in his honor.In 1002, St. Bernward, bishop of Hildesheim. He was ordained a priest by St. Willigis... 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 Tuesday, November 20, 2018
The road leading to the Monastery, Forest Service Road 151, is passable for all vehicles.