Saint Joseph's Abbey, Massachusetts, United States

4redeco 5:00 PM Aug 9, 2008

Inner Peace in Spencer's Countryside
A visit to St. Joseph's Abbey isn't for everybody. But for those who seek a place of prayer and inner peace set on 2300 acres of farm and woodland, this might be a stop that you will like. The monastery is home to just under 80 Trappist monks or Cistercians of the Strict Observance. These men set themselves apart from worldly existence and dedicate themselves to work and prayer. They are vegetarians and start their communal day at 3:10 in the morning. You can confirm by attending the visitors' chapel at 3:30 AM for Vigils. The public can hear chant and experience the monks at communal prayer several times per day: Lauds at 6:00 AM; Sext at 12:15 PM; None at 2:00 PM; Vespers at 5:40 PM; Compline at 7:40 with the chanting of the Salve Regina. The monks retire at 8:00 PM. The times listed above mostly include a short period of chant, most often in English along with a few readings. Most take less than twenty minutes. If I am not mistaken, Mass and the Eucharist is included at 6:00 AM and the schedule changes slightly on Sundays to include a Mass later in the morning. Call the Abbey for details. Daily work includes tasks such as farming, building maintenance, making Trappist jams and jellies, making vestments (the Vatican has several sets), copying text in the Scriptorium, and other tasks. The public can visit only limited areas of the Abbey as this is a monastic enclosure. The visitors' chapel is open to men and women, the retreat houses have separate facilities for men and women, and you can stroll the grounds in the area in front of the church. A gift shop with religious books, medals, CDs and DVDs and a selection of Trappist jams and jellies and Trappistine candies are available. Learn more about St. Joseph's Abbey by exploring the monastery's excellent website at www.spencerabbey.org.

5gardener1Sturbridge 5:00 PM Mar 18, 2012

Lovely get-a-WAY!
This is a gem in the Central Mass area. You feel like your in another country at the top of this steep and long drive. Well worth the trip to stop for a moment and give thanks to all we have in America. The little area for reflection/meditating is open daily and be sure to check the schedule to see if they are chanting...it's a special treat that transforms you into a deep relaxation while you sit in the very dark pew area.