by Abbot | Aug 24, 2026 | News
For the past few months our monastic refectory has been doubling as a partial extension of our pantry, while the work of remodeling the kitchen has been going on. Thankfully, now that the kitchen is remodeled and we are slowly moving there for cooking once again, the...
by Abbot | Aug 20, 2026 | News
Tiny amounts of rain have touched our land, and so we continue to pray for more serious precipitation. Summer is swiftly sailing by and soon it will be Autumn, with cooler temperatures and the gradual change of leaves. “To everything there is a season,”...
by Abbot | Aug 13, 2026 | News
Work is almost finished on our remodeled kitchen, and we are just days away from “moving in” and getting to work there once again. Our four main cooks who rotate among themselves, one each day, are eager to “dive in” and prepare meals there once again. Our...
by Abbot | Aug 10, 2026 | News
Renovations and Reservations The Monastery Guesthouse is currently closed to guests on private retreat as we continue the full remodeling of our commercial kitchen and substantial upgrades for Guesthouse accessibility. We hope to complete these renovations soon and...
by Abbot | Aug 8, 2026 | News
The month of August is replete with commemorations of important saints in the Catholic Liturgical Calendar. Today’s photo is of just one of the many saints of August, Saint Clare of Assisi. This sacred image of the 12th century disciple of Saint Francis and...
by Abbot | Jul 31, 2026 | News
This past week we have been privileged to host the Benedictine scholar, Sister Colleen Maura McGrane, OSB, from the Benedictine Monastery of Perpetual Adoration in Clyde, Missouri. She is the editor of the prestigious “American Benedictine Review,” the...
by Monastery of Christ in the Desert | Jul 12, 2026 | News
Medical Appeal 2026 Dear Friends, Peace and many greetings from the Chama Canyon wilderness. I write you to you as work continues here to update our monastery kitchen, in need of a makeover after more than thirty years of daily use. Upgrading is also taking place at...
by Abbot | Jul 11, 2026 | News
Belated, but heartfelt wishes for a blessed celebration of the Solemnity of Saint Benedict, Father of Western Monasticism! We keep the day with much festivity, including a Solemn Sung Mass and an extended recreation time for the monks. Today’s photo is of a...
by Abbot | Jul 4, 2026 | News
Not yet finished, but here is a sneak preview of the main Guesthouse courtyard makeover. Access to the Common Room will be pleasant and easy for all. Yes, the walkway will not stay cement-color and serious landscaping is taking place as well. We are very happy with...
by Abbot | Jun 23, 2026 | News
As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Birth of Saint John the Baptist, called the “Forerunner of the Lord,” we also recount the founding of the Monastery of Christ in the Desert on this date in 1964. Today we rejoice in 62 years of existence as a...
by Abbot | Jun 22, 2026 | News
With daytime temperatures now in the mid-80s (and around 50 at night), lots of flowers are blooming in our cloister garden, especially roses. Today’s photo is of an arrangement at the icon of Our Lady in our church. Summer has officially begun, which also means...
by Abbot | Jun 19, 2026 | News
Less than three feet tall, bordering on being a bonsai, our jade tree remains indoors year round, easy to care for, requiring just an occasional watering, and not too often or it languishes. The tree is located near large windows, next to our reading room, with...
by Abbot | Jun 16, 2026 | News
Our neighborhood deer never hesitate to vault over fences, no matter how high, and they never miss the mark, stumble or fall. Our sheep, donkey and chickens, though, willingly share their pastures with the deer. Maybe a metaphor here, echoing the words of Psalm...
by Abbot | Jun 14, 2026 | News
The fountain in the middle of our cloister garden is modeled on one at the Benedictine monastery of Silos in Spain, dating from the Middle Ages. Our cloister fountain is only 30 years old, and primarily serves as a decorative element in the garden, as well as home to...
by Abbot | Jun 6, 2026 | News
We’re having lovely weather these days, but it would be lovelier if accompanied by rain. So far, precious little has fallen in 2026. In fact, for the past several years that has been the case. As they say, “Everyone talks (or complains) about the weather,...
by Abbot | Jun 2, 2026 | News
An important monastic Conference is taking place this week, from June 4th to June 6th, focused on the life, teaching and enduring influence of Evagrius Ponticus, a desert father and one of the most influential theologians of the late fourth century Church. The full...
by Abbot | Jun 1, 2026 | News
We are doing well, thanks be to God, as late Spring slowly turns to Summer. Our flock of Navajo-Churro sheep has now grown to thirty, with the birth of a dozen lambs several weeks ago. Work is progressing well at our Guesthouse, main kitchen and other common rooms in...
by Monastery of Christ in the Desert | May 24, 2026 | News
Spring/Summer 2026 Newsletter
by Abbot | Apr 22, 2026 | News
Monastery Guesthouse Update: Renovations and Reservations The Monastery Guesthouse is currently closed to overnight guests as we undergo a full remodeling of our commercial kitchen and substantial upgrades for Guesthouse accessibility. We hope to complete these...
by Abbot | Apr 11, 2026 | News
“Lord, Who conquered death, be constantly with Your Church and fill it with new life. Make us partakers of Your suffering so that we may also be partakers of Your glorious Resurrection. May Your peace and tranquility dwell constantly within our community, within...
by Abbot | Apr 10, 2026 | News
Christ is Risen, and you, o death, are annihilated! Christ is Risen, and the evil ones are cast down! Christ is Risen, and the angels rejoice! Christ is Risen, and life is liberated! Christ is Risen, and the tomb is emptied of its dead; for Christ having risen from...
by Abbot | Apr 9, 2026 | News
“For the few witnesses of the Resurrection, it was such an overwhelmingly real happening, every doubt was dispelled and they stepped forth before the world with an utterly new fearlessness in order to bear witness: Christ is truly risen!” from “Jesus...
by Abbot | Apr 8, 2026 | News
“Joy is a grace. Among Christians it is one that is not merely an adornment of life, but one that springs from its essence. Joy is the outcome of the truths we believe, the hopes we have, the love which God allows us to have for Him.” from “Prayer In...
by Abbot | Apr 7, 2026 | News
May the Resurrection of the Lord be a continual reminder of God’s infinite love for humankind and the promise of Eternal Life. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Abbot Christian and the monks
by Abbot | Apr 5, 2026 | News
Christ is Risen! Rejoice all you nations! Christ is our peace! A blessed and holy Paschaltide to all. Abbot Christian and the monks
