Each month, usually on the first Friday of the month, we monks have what we call a “desert day.” It is a day of more concentrated time for prayer, reading and silence, and might also include cleaning one’s cell (bedroom), exercise, rest, hiking alone in the canyon or on horseback, all depending on the preference of the monk.
There is no assigned community work on desert days, such as maintenance, bookkeeping, laundry, craft, house cleaning, etc., though two monks are assigned as cooks and have their desert day the following day. A buffet lunch is served at 1:00 pm and supper at 6:20 pm.
Beginning after Mass on the morning of the desert day, that is, at about 6:45 am, we have Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in church, and brothers sign up for an hour of adoration throughout the day. We have Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at 5:30 pm on desert days, followed by Vespers. During the day the Little Hours of Terce, Sext and None are prayed in private.
Each desert day seems to fly by all too quickly, indicating it is an appreciated occurrence.
Be assured of our continued prayers for the needs and intentions of all who are near and dear to us.
Abbot Christian and the monks
