With wild Verbenas blooming all around Santa Rita Abbey, God provided us a lovely and meaningful Monastic Experience Weekend from April 25–28. Three dedicated women, seriously discerning their vocation, came together, praying alongside the Sisters in the choir, sharing their vocational journeys (including Sisters’), learning about the Cistercian spirit and way of life, meeting with the Sisters one-on-one, and, of course, sharing meals together! It was a wonderful introduction to life at Santa Rita Abbey here in Arizona. We all enjoyed one another’s company with open hearts and were deeply enriched by the experience.
Here are some words from the participants, hoping to inspire you—perhaps a future candidate!

Angela: “If you think God is calling you to something greater, do not hesitate to give this Monastic Experience Weekend a try. No matter where you are in life, you will not regret it. Nothing is impossible for God. It was an amazing experience for me that I will always cherish.”

Christie: “I am grateful for the time spent at Santa Rita Abbey during the Monastic Experience, it was a tremendous time of blessing and grace! It was also time spent in solitude with Our Lord that aided me in my continued discernment for a religious vocation. The time spent in community with the Sisters truly deepened my journey of the soul and walk with the Lord.”