NEW NOVICE – After one year of Aspirancy and one year of Postulancy, Irene Olotch became a Novice today, November 19, 2024, and will be in the Novitiate for two years studying the monastic way of life and vows to include the Rule of St. Benedict. During the ceremony Irene responded to Prioress Hilda that she requested the mercy of God and a sharing in our monastic life. After Irene received the scapular and veil, Prioress Hilda prayed: “Lord Jesus, now as always, you call disciples to follow you. We pray for Sister Irene Olotch. May the bond of our love support her, may she live this life with us in single-hearted love, in simplicity and in peace, and day by day recognize your call as expressing your love, for you live and reign forever. Amen.”

Handmade Religious Wooden Icon
The icon “Theotokos Hodegetria” or “Our Lady Who Shows the Way,”
describes the gesture of Our Lady’s right hand pointing to
Christ, her Son, as the Way.
By the hand of Sister Elizabeth Tran, OSB

Details: Size is 14 inches x 20 inches, 24k Italian gold oil gilding background on wooden board carved in a special shape, handwritten using a traditional Byzantine technique of egg tempera.

FREE SHIPPING
$1,400.00

Thank you, Ernest! – As most of you know, Ernest Valencia, was a member of our Lay Advisory Board when we moved to the current land in 2008 and since that time was the head mainte[1]nance foreman for the construction of our current monastery in Gobernador. We appreciate all the work he voluntarily did for us, giving us advise and communicating with other building contractors. Many times, we would have to call him after off normal working hours to take care of no electricity, no water, etc. He was always very attentive to our building needs. In gratitude we ask God to bless Ernest abundantly with peace and good health!

Online Retreats – The Benedictine Nuns of Jamberoo offering online retreats. For more information, please click  “Retreats” at Jamberoo Abbey.

Pope Francis’ prayer intentions for November 2024: For anyone who has lost a child
We pray that all parents who mourn the loss of a son or daughter find support in their community and receive peace and consolation from the Holy Spirit.

Sacra Mysteria Venerari (Click for more information)

An apostolic exhortation on the Eucharist by Bishop James S. Wall, Bishop of the Gallup Diocese.

MISSION STATEMENT –The Monastery of Our Lady of the Desert is a monastic community of women in the Benedictine tradition.  We profess vows of stability, conversion of life and obedience. Our primary mission, is to seek God through a life of prayer, silence and solitude.  Our way of life frees us to give glory and praise to God, intercede through prayer for the needs of the world and hospitality.