My pilgrimages to the distant desert location started in the late 90’s.
Sunday Mass At Christ in the Desert Monastery- All are Welcome
A friend spoke mystically about a remote monastery called Christ in the Desert in New Mexico. In college a world religion professor invited all his students to experience one night in a monastery in Southwest Missouri. I have forgotten the name of the small monastery that produced rum soaked fruit cake, but the memory of being there has stayed with me over the last 25 years. Other worldly peace, plus a quiet unlike anywhere else, surrounded my first encounter with a monastic order.
Most Remote Monastery in North or South America
Enchanting Chama River Valley
Struggling to find myself and God, I ran to Christ in the Desert, the most remote monastery in North and South America. Thirteen miles of treacherous dirt road off a backwater highway in the Chama River Valley of New Mexico, an adobe church rises out of a red rock mesa. The Bible is awash with mystical desert experiences. Jesus himself walked into the desert to pray and seek God’s will.
Invited to Participate in Silence
I returned several times in the following years, once to show this special place to my husband, and then for a few private retreats. This trip, I wanted my children to experience this special place. The Benedictine Monks of Christ in the Desert are gracious hosts, offering guests small comfortable rooms and the invitation to participate in their daily gift of silence– not a place for rambunctious children. We opted to stay down the road at the well known Presbyterian Retreat Center–Ghost Ranch, home to Georgia O’Keeffe for 50 years.
Hidden Location Expanding
Coffee and Cookies With Monks after Mass- A brief break in their Vow of Silence
This morning, my boys and I attended a splendid Mass. The video will not do it justice. Many additions have been made in the last 13 years since I last visited, plus a swelling to 50 monks in residence from all over the world. Creating lasting memories, plus increasing discussion about meaningful moments in life with others and God is the hidden mission of this trip. The discussions following this Sunday morning outing indicted that part of this is being accomplished.
More About Christ in the Desert;
Chama River Valley Information
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