Church profile
Monastery of Christ in the desert
Roman Catholic (Benedictine) · Abiquiu, NM
Roman Catholic (Benedictine) in Abiquiu
Researched profile · official sources below
About this church
The Monastery of Christ in the Desert is a Benedictine abbey of monks near Abiquiu, New Mexico, on the banks of the Chama River. It was founded in 1964, follows the Rule of St. Benedict, and is an officially recognized Roman Catholic organization. The monastery lies about 75 miles north of Santa Fe, reached by Forest Service Road 151, and the site posts current road conditions. The community prays the Divine Office throughout the day, starting with Vigils at 5 a.m. On Sundays, Conventual Mass is at 9:15 a.m., Solemn Vespers and Benediction are at 5 p.m., and Compline is at 7:15 p.m. On weekdays, Lauds is followed by Mass at about 6:20 a.m. Schedule changes are announced, so check the daily schedule before visiting.
Day visitors are welcome to attend services and to walk the grounds in areas not marked private. The monastery church and art gallery are open to daytime visitors Monday through Saturday, and the gift shop, which sells items made by the monks, keeps limited hours and is closed on Mondays. Food is not served to day visitors, though public restrooms are in the lobby, and pets should be left at home. Overnight guests can reserve rooms for self-directed retreats and share the Divine Office and Mass with the monks. Mail goes to PO Box 270, Abiquiu, and the phone is (575) 613-4233.
Researched from the church’s official website and reviewed October 5, 2026. Sources: Home: visiting hours, Mass, contact · Daily and Sunday schedule · Day visitors · History and mission
Service times
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Location
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