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Subiaco, Arkansas: Subiaco Abbey

About the Abbey:

The Abbey is run by the Oblates of Saint Benedict, Christian individuals or families who are living the wisdom of Christ as interpreted by St. Benedict. Oblates seek God by striving to become holy in their chosen way of life. By integrating their prayer and work, they manifest Christ’s presence in society. Today there are more than 40 monks in the Abbey and in addition to the monastery, it has a secondary school for boys in grades 7 through 12.

It is located on beautiful grounds that include a Lourdes grotto, tennis and basketball courts, an all-weather track and an outdoor pool.  The guest house (Coury House) includes 36 completely furnished guest rooms, each with private bath.  There is also an elevator for those who need it. Meals are taken in the recently renovated guest dining room located in the main monastery building.

In addition to retreats visitors are welcome to join them for Mass, check out their gift shop or sample their latest venture…beer brewed here at the Abbey, an ancient tradition that has been re-introduced.

Retreats at Subiaco Abbey:

The Abbey offers many types of retreats, and has something for everyone from private retreats to group retreats.

Private Retreats are for individuals or small groups who want a quiet time of prayer, reflection, meditation, or reading. There are no scheduled conferences but a priest can be available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation upon request.

Private Directed Retreats, which an individual or small group meets with a retreat director, can be arranged. The number of conferences are agreed upon by the retreatant(s) and the director. The remaining time is spent in private reflection, reading, or prayer.

Directed Group Retreat is a retreat in which a group makes a retreat under the direction of a retreat director. Usually set for three days, these retreats generally begin with the Friday evening meal and end with the Sunday noon meal or begin Tuesday evening and end with noon meal on Thursday. Longer group retreats can be arranged. They will be glad to work with you for a time period that best suits your particular needs.

Days of Recollection include two or three conferences, an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Eucharist, or a Holy Hour with Benediction. Days of Recollection can be arranged for church groups or organizations throughout the year. Days of Recollection usually run from 9 am to 3 pm.

Meetings: Coury House is pleased to offer its facilities to church groups or other organizations for retreats or meetings. These groups will provide their own retreat director or speaker. Such retreats can be arranged for virtually any group: families, parishes, religious, priests, deacons, special interest, and youth groups. Groups of all denominations have visited Coury House.

Ecumenical Meetings and Retreats: One of the unique things about a Benedictine monastery is that they especially cater to groups from other denominations and churches. You do not have to be a Catholic to utilize their facilities and you will, in fact, find the experience quite prayerful. Why? Well, some say it is because the Benedictines were founded well before the Orthodox separation in 1054 or the Protestant Reformation in the 1500’s. As a result, their way of prayer (the Liturgy of the Hours or Divine Office, as it is called) is grounded in the scriptures that they communally chant and pray four times a day. Further, if you read the section on their method of private prayer known as lectio divina, you will find that it, too, is grounded in the Bible.

And be sure to visit their gift shop for a great variety of items made by the monks.

Visiting the Abbey:

The Abbey is about 110 miles Northwest of Little Rock.

Address: 405 North Subiaco Avenue, Subiaco, Arkansas 72865

Tel: +1 (479) 934-1000

email:  subiaco@subi.org

Click here for the official website of Subiaco Abbey in Subiaco, Arkansas

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