On Thursday, July 11th, the Solemnity of our Holy Father Saint Benedict, the monks of the Monastery of Saint Mary and All the Saints (Santa Maria y Todos Los Santos), in the Mexican State of Veracruz, a foundation the Monastery of Christ in Desert, celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary of life, having been founded in 1999.
Today there are fifteen monks at Santa Maria y Todos Los Santos, including seven in solemn vows, four junior (temporary) professed and four postulants. They are blessed with young and energetic monks in their Benedictine life of prayer, work and hospitality.
The anniversary Mass at Santa Maria y Todos Los Santos on July 11th was held in the monks’ enormous outdoor but roofed church at 11:00 am. Abbot Christian of Christ in the Desert presided at the Mass and received the first vows of two novices, Brother Andres and Moises. Over a thousand people attended the Mass and enjoyed a meal afterwards.
The faith is alive and well in Mexico, and there are vocations to Religious Life and priesthood, thanks be to God.
During the recent stay in Mexico, Abbot Christian was also able to visit our monks at the Monastery of Nuestra Senora de la Soledad (Our Lady of Solitude), in the State of Guanajuato. There are now nine monks at La Soledad, professed and novices combined.
Visits to the Benedictine Sisters at San Benito Monastery in Mexico City, as well as Benedictine Sisters at Queretero, not too far from the monks at La Soledad, and Benedictine Sisters at Coyoacan in Mexico City, were on Abbot Christian’s itinerary. Distances are great between the various monasteries in Mexico, but fortunately an extensive and reliable bus system makes the journeys more comfortable.
Today’s photo is of the monks of Santa Maria y Todos los Santos on the evening of their anniversary celebrations.
“Ad multos annos” to all the Benedictine brothers and sisters in Mexico!
Abbot Christian and the monks of Christ in the Desert
