Monastery of Christ in the Desert: A Benedictine Sanctuary in New Mexico
Hidden within the Chama Canyon, explore solitude, prayer, and nature at the Monastery of Christ in the Desert in Abiquiu, New Mexico.
Monastery of Christ in the Desert: An Oasis of Contemplation in New Mexico
Hidden away deep in the vibrant, austere beauty of New Mexico’s Chama Canyon, the Monastery of Christ in the Desert stands as a living testament to tranquility, faith, and harmonious stewardship of the land. This Benedictine monastery, about 75 miles north of Santa Fe and near Abiquiu, is not merely a destination—it’s an opportunity to encounter solitude, stillness, and the rhythms of monastic prayer framed by breathtaking wilderness. Since its founding in 1964, the monastery has attracted visitors seeking spiritual renewal, architectural curiosity, or a closeness to nature rarely found elsewhere.
Table of Contents
- Overview and Essential Information
- History and Founding of the Monastery
- Architecture and Surroundings
- Daily Life and Spiritual Practice
- Visiting and Staying at the Monastery
- Visitor Experience: Practical Information
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Overview and Essential Information
The Monastery of Christ in the Desert is a Roman Catholic Benedictine community open to guests for day visits or private retreats. Its landscape is dramatic: the monastery sits along the Chama River and is enveloped by miles of government-protected wilderness. The sense of remoteness is reinforced by its location at the end of Forest Road 151: a winding, 13-mile, unpaved road accessible from U.S. Route 84, with the journey itself setting the mood for retreat and reflection.
- Location: North of Santa Fe, near Abiquiu in Chama Canyon, New Mexico.
- Founded: 1964 by Father Aelred Wall, OSB, and monks from Mount Saviour Monastery in New York.
- Affiliation: Roman Catholic, following the Rule of St. Benedict.
- Access: Invites guests for day visits and overnight spiritual retreats; participation in the Divine Office and Mass is encouraged.
History and Founding of the Monastery
The Monastery of Christ in the Desert was founded in 1964 when Father Aelred Wall, OSB, accompanied by two monks from Mount Saviour Monastery in New York, sought to renew Benedictine monasticism in a pristine environment. They were drawn by the desert’s symbolic power, echoing both biblical themes and the ancient roots of monastic spirituality.
- The vision was to recreate a monastic life marked by silence, prayer, and work in harmony with nature.
- Initially, the community lived in tents on donated land, gradually establishing more permanent structures.
- Affiliations: Became part of the Subiaco Congregation in 1983 as a Conventual Priory and achieved independence as an Abbey in 1996.
- Throughout its history, leadership and the monks themselves emphasized the importance of solitude and self-sufficiency, following the Rule of St. Benedict without external apostolates, such as parish work or schools.
“The desert is a place of trial, of temptation, of combat… a place, the school, in which one learns to love.” – Father Aelred Wall, Founder
Architecture and Surroundings
The monastery’s built environment is as remarkable as its philosophy. The chief architect of the original church, cloisters, and guesthouse was George Nakashima, a world-renowned Japanese-American designer. Nakashima’s work here is celebrated for seamlessly blending Japanese woodworking traditions with American Modernism, making use of both natural light and indigenous materials.
- The Abbey Church: Characterized by simple, natural wood beams (vigas) and windows that filter the ever-changing New Mexican light across its uncluttered interiors.
- Materials: Locally sourced stone, wood, and adobe blend the structures into the striking landscape.
- Ambient beauty: The interplay of light inside the chapel changes the mood throughout the day, fostering attentiveness and contemplation.
- The monastery’s harmony with the land extends to environmental stewardship: solar power, sustainable water use, and careful respect for wildlife and landscape.
Chama Canyon Wilderness
Surrounding the monastery is the immense silence and grandeur of Chama Canyon, defined by ochre cliffs, ponderosa forests, tree-topped mesas, and the slow, meandering Chama River. This remoteness is not incidental; complete seclusion from urban noise and commerce supports the monks’ rhythm of prayer and work.
- Solitude: The monastery is enveloped by federal wilderness, guaranteeing peace and undisturbed reflection.
- Natural beauty: Native flora and fauna are abundant; at dawn or dusk, deer, birds, and sometimes wild turkeys or coyotes add to the sense of intimacy with creation.
Daily Life and Spiritual Practice
The community at the Monastery of Christ in the Desert adheres to the Benedictine Rule: “Ora et labora”—prayer and work. Life is carefully structured, drawing on ancient practices that balance contemplation with communal service and self-sufficiency.
| Time | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-dawn to Early Morning | Vigils, Lauds, Mass | Chanting Divine Office begins before sunrise, concluding with Mass in the church. |
| Morning to Noon | Work | Monks tend to gardens, crafts, and maintenance—including candle making, brewing, and bookbinding. |
| Noon | Prayer (Sext) | A short prayer in the chapel, followed by a silent, simple communal meal. |
| Afternoon | Work, Study, Recreation | Manual labor, spiritual reading, or time outdoors. |
| Evening | Vespers, Lectio Divina, Compline | Evening prayers, spiritual reading, and night prayers close the day. |
- Prayer: Central to daily life, with eight prescribed prayer times (the Divine Office) plus personal reflection.
- Work: Includes manual labor and artisan crafts—brewing, weaving, gardening, and bookbinding.
- Silence: Periods of silence inspire both reflection and creative work.
Visiting and Staying at the Monastery
The Monastery of Christ in the Desert operates a guesthouse where men and women from any (or no) faith tradition may partake in retreat. Visits are marked by simplicity—private rooms, sparse amenities, and invitations to join either simply as a guest or as a “work retreatant,” with up to 3.5 hours/day of light labor, such as gardening or household tasks.
- Participation: Guests may join the monks for liturgies—prayers chanted in English with Gregorian melodies, and silent meals accompanied by readings from Scripture.
- Activities: Prayer, meditation, hiking, reading, or manual work alongside the community.
- Duration: Retreats may range from a weekend to a week or longer, though stays are limited to ensure ongoing availability and solitude.
- Accessibility: Bedrooms are basic; technology use is discouraged to foster quietude.
- Gift Shop: The monastery supplements its income with a small gift shop and online store, offering craft items, religious books, and handmade goods.
Visitor Experience: Practical Information
- Getting There: The final 13 miles to the monastery are along Forest Road 151—a dirt and gravel track. Weather can make the road difficult; high-clearance vehicles are recommended. Always check local conditions before driving, as the road may be impassable in heavy rain or snow.
- Day Visits: Visitors are welcome to attend liturgical prayer, explore the grounds quietly, and hike nearby wilderness trails. Day visitors should observe silence in the church and respect the tranquility of the site.
- Overnight Stays: Advance booking is essential due to high demand for limited retreat rooms.
- What to Bring:
- Comfortable shoes for walking and hiking
- Sunscreen and a hat (high desert sun can be intense)
- Modest clothing respectful of monastic sensibilities
- Silent reading or writing materials for personal reflection
- No cell service or Wi-Fi: Digital disconnection is a feature, not a bug, fostering real retreat from daily distractions.
Environmental and Community Stewardship
- Sustainability: Solar panels and low-impact practices reflect the monastic commitment to stewardship of creation.
- Local Partnerships: The monks offer hospitality and spiritual support to those seeking renewal, without proselytizing or evangelism.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can anyone stay at the Monastery or is it only for Catholics?
A: The guesthouse is open to people of all faith backgrounds—or none at all. The only request is that visitors show respect for the monastic traditions, participate quietly, and honor the tranquility of the grounds.
Q: What should I expect during a retreat?
A: Expect simplicity and stillness. Guests may join in prayer, share silent meals, do light manual labor if desired, hike, and enjoy reading or contemplation. Rooms are basic, and silence is valued throughout the day.
Q: How do I get to the Monastery?
A: The monastery is accessed via a 13-mile dirt road off US Route 84, about 75 miles north of Santa Fe or 53 miles south of Chama. High-clearance vehicles are recommended, and checking road conditions is essential, especially in adverse weather.
Q: Can I buy products made by the monks?
A: Yes. The monastery has a gift shop and online store selling hand-crafted religious articles, books, artwork, and other goods made by the monastic community.
Q: Are guided tours available?
A: No formal guided tours are provided, as the ethos is primarily one of solitude and individual exploration. However, guests can converse with monks during cleared times and are encouraged to participate in prayer and communal activities as observers or participants.
In Summary
The Monastery of Christ in the Desert is a rare retreat for those seeking silence, beauty, and a living tradition of spiritual practice. Whether embracing a full retreat, pausing for an afternoon, or simply savoring the view of cliff walls and riverbend, the experience is one of grounded, contemplative presence—much needed in today’s fast-paced world.
