Every monastery of our Trappist Cistercian order supports itself by a small industry in which the community members actively participate. Here in the US these monastic industries include candy, cheese, creamed honey, fruitcake, mushrooms, and other food items. Here at Santa Rita Abbey in southern Arizona we make whole wheat altar breads and sell them to parishes across the country.
February 17 is the world premiere of Final Vows a documentary film by Victoria Westover about Santa Rita Abbey! It was in 2018 that Victoria Westover first approached our Mother Victoria Murray about her desire to create a documentary film about nuns. We were very cautious at first. It is true that other monasteries in our Trappist Cistercian order
January 7, 2024: A Reflection for the Epiphany of the Lord Matthew 2:1-12 We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage. Mt 2:2 They were scholars, they were respected right-hand persons to the king, they were astrologers. And most of all, they were seekers. Today we call them Magi, wise men. You might say
Good news! Our beloved Retreat House is open at last! Who knew it would take a full year to get a new roof and then to repair and paint the damaged drywall? Now at last the work is done. Thank you for your patience. And thank you again to all who responded to our 2022 fundraising appeal. We
Who can contemplate Eternity being born, Power itself failing, Bread going hungry, the Spring itself growing thirsty, without becoming speechless? But who can contemplate the beginning of our salvation, the day of human healing, without bursting forth in a voice of exultation and praise, the sound of one keeping festival? God has been made a man; who knows how to
December 23, 2023: The Eve of the 4th Sunday of Advent. As we light the fourth candle on our Advent wreath this evening “A Child is born to us. A Son is given to us. Upon his shoulder dominion rests and his name shall be called, “Wonder-Counsellor, Mighty-God, Eternal-Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:5) So we shall sing on Christmas
Dear Friends, Our 2023 Christmas newsletter is here! The biggest event of the year was the April 22nd celebration of the 50th anniversary of the foundation of our monastery. Inside the newsletter, you will see a photograph of twenty smiling Trappist Cistercians–our community of ten sisters plus the monks and nuns from eight different monasteries who came to help us
December 16, 2023: The Eve of the Third Sunday of Advent. As we light the third candle on our Advent wreath this evening “His kingdom will spread ever wider, and of peace there will be no end.” (Isaiah 9:6) Jesus, Prince of Peace, help us to become peace, justice and love in our world. Let us choose your kingdom over promoting
Step away from the noise and into the rhythm of monastic life. If you’re a Catholic woman discerning your path, our Monastic Experience Weekend offers a rare opportunity to explore contemplative life at Santa Rita Abbey.
Friday, October 4 – Monday, October 7