October 2025 Monastic Experience Weekend
From October 3– 5, we joyfully welcomed three women from the Tucson and Phoenix areas to Santa Rita Abbey for our Autumn Monastic Experience Weekend. Each of the sisters participated in some way, and our guests expressed heartfelt gratitude for the program and the spirit in which it was offered.
Bathed in glorious weather, the women immersed themselves in the peaceful rhythm of Abbey life — joining us in choir prayer, exploring the richness of Cistercian spirituality, and sharing the sacred stories of their vocation journeys.
Together, we experienced the gentle beauty of this holy place and the quiet movement of the Spirit among us.
We entrust these women to God’s loving guidance, praying that they may discover the home their hearts seek, led by grace and light.
“I wanted to express my gratitude for the Monastic Experience Weekend at Santa Rita Abbey. It was a deeply enriching and enlightening experience, immersing myself in prayer, reflection, and the rhythm of monastic life. I am truly thankful for the warm hospitality and support from the community. Please extend my thanks to everyone involved. I cherish the memories from this retreat as I continue to discern my path. Many blessings!” – Josephine
“I had a beautiful Monastic Experience Weekend and recommend Catholic women to come with an open heart and welcome our heavenly Father’s voice because the Sisters at Santa Rita Abbey are the example of Mary in putting God first and submitting to God’s will, a model of faith we should follow. Experiencing the liturgy of the hours with the sister’s was a fruitful experience that I will always carry close to my heart and continue applying to my daily life.” – Susan
