Robert J. Regalbuto - Monastery Guest Houses of North America: A Visitors Guide ()

MONASTERY

GUEST HOUSES

OF NORTH AMERICA

A Visitors Guide

5TH EDITION

Robert J. Regalbuto

THE COUNTRYMAN PRESS
WOODSTOCK, VERMONT

Copyright 2010 by Robert J. Regalbuto

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer, who may quote brief passages.

ISBN 978-0-88150-900-7

CIP data are available.

Cover photo: The setting sun brings vespers at St. Benedicts Monastery. Used with the kind permission of John Ruzicka and St. Benedicts Monastery, Snowmass, Colorado, John Ruzicka and St. Benedicts Monastery.

Book design and composition by Susan Livingston Artwork by Jennifer Bailey appears on pages 1, 5, 21, 35, 37, 59, 61, 65, 81, 91, 99, 101, 103, 105, 113, 115, 117, 121, 129, 135, 139, 153, 159, 167, 175, 177, 181, 197, 203, 205, 207, 209, 211, 215, 231, 235, 241, and 251.

Artwork by B. Griffiths appears on pages 13, 23, 27, 39, 47, 49, 55, 69, 73, 79, 85, 93, 97, 107, 123, 125, 137, 141, 145, 147, 151, 171, 187, 195, 201, 223, 227, 233, 245, and 257.

ISBN 978-1-581-57663-4 (e-book)

Published by The Countryman Press,

P.O. Box 748, Woodstock, VT 05091

Distributed by W. W. Norton & Company, Inc.,

500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110

Let all guests that come be received like Christ Himself, for He will say: I was a stranger and ye took me in.... Let the care of the guest house, also, be entrusted to a brother whose soul is possessed with the fear of God: let there be sufficient beds prepared there and let the house of God be wisely governed by prudent men.

Saint Benedict wrote these words in his Holy Rule for monks in sixth-century Italy. In this spirit many monasteries open their guest houses to modern-day pilgrims seeking a time of quiet, rest, refreshment, and renewal. As the National Catholic Reporter stated, Here is an alternative for people who like vacations that heal, are truly restful and economical.

I have been lodging in monastery guest houses for 45 years, and I wrote my first guide to monastery guest houses 20 years ago. This book is based on my travels and research. The information here is not only current but also comprehensive, including guest houses in urban and rural locales from coast to coast, and featuring accommodations offered by communities of several denominations: Roman Catholic, Anglican/Episcopal, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Quaker, Presbyterian, Methodist, Congregationalist, Unitarian Universalist, and ecumenical. So, too, the monasteries, convents, and other places listed represent a spectrum of traditions and observances: some traditional, some contemporary, and others via media. Each of these extends hospitality to those of other faithsor no faith.

An excellent approach for the newcomer at a monastery guest house is to remember that a religious community is a family, and that, like every family, it has its own traditions, customs, and rules. But no need to worrymonasteries are used to newcomers and guests. The guest master or guest mistress, other community members, and/or guest literature will help familiarize you with house rules so that you can settle in comfortably and enjoy your stay.

Some practical advice:

Reservations should be made as far in advance as possible. Some monastery guest houses are so popular that booking well in advance is not only advisable but necessary.

If you wish to lodge in a monastery guest house but not participate in a group retreat program, make this known at the time you make a reservation, stating that you would like a private retreat.

Charges quoted here are current at the time of writing but subject to change. (Canadian charges are given in Canadian dollars.)

Be prepared to make payment with cash or a check. It is rare that credit or debit cards are accepted, but this is not unheard of. Be sure to inquire about payment methods before your stay.

Rooms are typically clean, comfortable, and simply furnished. Do not expect modern amenities in guest rooms such as a telephone, radio, television, or computer. If you bring a listening device, be sure it has ear buds.

It is my hope that this guide will lead you, the reader, to a place apart, where monastic hospitality is offered and a holy leisure is enjoyed.

I am grateful to the nuns, monks, and others who have graciously provided hospitality to me. I also extend a special word of gratitude to the monastics and guest house administrators without whose cooperation and information this book would not have been possible. Thanks also to Kermit Hummel, Lisa Sacks, and Melissa Dobson of The Countryman Press.

He saith unto them,

Come and see.

JOHN 1:39

Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center

916 Convent Rd. NE, Cullman, AL 35055-2019

Order: Benedictine Sisters (Roman Catholic)

Contact: Office Manager

Telephone: 256-734-8302. Best time to call: Mon. to Fri., 9 AM to 4 PM Central Time

Web site:

Accommodations: Houses up to 69 guests in single, twin-bedded, and triple-bedded rooms, most with shared baths

Meals: Three meals daily

Costs: $75 per person for first night; $50 each subsequent night, meals included. Contact office manager for group rates.

Directions: From Birmingham take I-65 North to Exit 308 and continue east on US 278. At Convent Rd. turn left at three-way traffic light. Enter second gate on right.

Public Transportation: Contact office manager for information.

History: There has been a Benedictine presence in Alabama since the 1860s, when monks came here from Pennsylvania. Later in the 19th century Benedictine sisters arrived and opened Sacred Heart Monastery. At the turn of the 20th century the large and impressive Gothic Revival monastery and chapel were built.

Description: Guests may explore the monasterys 200-acre property. Nearby is St. Bernard Abbey, which is home to 40 monks. St. Bernard Abbey Church and Sacred Heart Chapel are a study in contrasts in terms of architectural style. Sacred Heart was built in traditional medieval Gothic style with authentic details, while the church at St. Bernard is a more modified and modern interpretation of the same architectural principles.

Point of Interest: While visiting St. Bernard Abbey, be sure to see the Ave Maria Grotto. The lifetime work of a monk who undertook the project in the 1930s, the Grotto is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Alabama, a major link in the Bible Belt.

Special Note: Reservations are required for the Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center, which publishes a full schedule of programs, available on request and posted on the monasterys Web site.

Sacred Heart Retreat House

2300 Spring Hill Ave., Mobile, AL 36607

Order: Visitation Sisters (Roman Catholic)

Contact: Guest Sister

Telephone: 251-473-2321. Best time to call: 9 AM to 7 PM Central Time

Web site: www.visitationmonasterymobile.org