In the Massachusetts community of Still River, one hour west of Boston, sits Saint Benedict Abbey, a Roman Catholic monastery. We are bonded to one another by brotherly charity and dedicated to God via monastic vows.
Saint Benedict remarks in his Rule for Monks that "Guests are never lacking in a monastery." St. Benedict also says that guests are to be received as Christ. Most people who come are delighted with our location. Our monastery overlooks the Nashua river valley, and we are surrounded by many fields and woods. There are also nearby trails for people to enjoy. We do not give "directed" retreats, but rather we invite our guests to participate in our own monastic schedule to whatever extent they desire. Seven times each weekday, and four times each Sunday, then monks gather in chapel for common prayer (view our Prayer schedule). Matins & Lauds, Community Mass, Meditation, Noon Prayer, Rosary, Vespers and Compline—most of which is sung in Gregorian Chant and all of which is open to guests. We have several guest houses. If you come alone or with family or friends, you may simply join with the monks in all or part of our daily horarium. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available in the guest dining room, which is also open for coffee, tea and snacks anytime.