Abiquiu, New Mexico: Monastery of Christ in the Desert
About Abiqui, New Mexico:
Abiquiú is in northern New Mexico, about 53 miles (85 km) north of Santa Fe. Abiquiú means “chokecherry point” in the Tewa language. It is also called Santo Tomás de Abiquiú and the Pueblo of Santo Tomás de Abiquiú. In the mid-eighteenth century, the Spanish crown provided land grants to genízaros here and in other places to establish buffer towns to defend the frontier from raiding tribes such as the Comanche. Genízaros were typically Indigenous people who had been captured and enslaved by other Indian tribes and whom Franciscan monks were legally obligated to rescue by paying a ransom. The former slaves were made indentured servants to repay such debt, typically for some years.
Abiquiú was also one of the homes of American artist Georgia O’Keeffe from 1929 until 1984. The Georgia O’Keeffe Home and Studio is in Abiquiú.
About the Monastery of Christ in the Desert:
Located about 80 miles north of Santa Fe, the Monastery of Christ in the Desert offers a glimpse of life according the the tradition of Saint Benedict.
The day begins with prayer well before sunrise and continues through the day along with work in the Monastery. With Mass, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and other devotions it offers a wonderful opportunity to get away from worldly concerns and concentrate on God.
Retreat facilities are available. These are not guided retreats, they are for personal retreats. They require a minimum stay of two days and two nights.
Occasionally groups may book rooms as well.
Traveling to the Monastery of Christ in the Desert in Abiquiu, New Mexico:
Address: Christ of the Desert Monastery Abiquiu, NM 87510
GPS coordinates: 36° 22′ 43.3956” N, 106° 40′ 50.6496” W
Tel: +1 (575) 613-4232 or +1 (575) 613-4274
e-mail: cidguestmaster@christdesert.org
Visit the official website of the Monastery of Christ in the Desert in Abiquiu, New Mexico
Photos credit of Monastery of Christ in the Desert.