Our Lady of Guadalupe Trappist Abbey: Difference between revisions
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The Abbey began in April 1948 at [[Pecos, New Mexico]], as a foundation established by the Trappist community at Valley Falls, Rhode Island (which later became [[St. Joseph’s Abbey]] in [[Spencer, Massachusetts]]). In March 1955 the monks, not finding farming sufficiently productive in northern New Mexico, sold the property to Benedictine monks and moved the abbey to its present site in Oregon. |
The Abbey began in April 1948 at [[Pecos, New Mexico]], as a foundation established by the Trappist community at Valley Falls, Rhode Island (which later became [[St. Joseph’s Abbey]] in [[Spencer, Massachusetts]]). In March 1955 the monks, not finding farming sufficiently productive in northern New Mexico, sold the property to Benedictine monks and moved the abbey to its present site in Oregon. |
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The title "[[Our Lady of Guadalupe]]" commemorating the [[Virgin Mary]]'s apparitions at [[Tepeyac]], near Mexico City in 1531, was originally chosen because of the Mexican influence in the Southwest, and was gladly brought along to the Northwest. |
The title "[[Our Lady of Guadalupe]]" commemorating the [[Virgin Mary]]'s apparitions at [[Tepeyac]], near [[Mexico City]] in 1531, was originally chosen because of the Mexican influence in the Southwest, and was gladly brought along to the Northwest. |
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The Abbey serves as a spiritual sanctuary for guests. The monks operate a non-denominational retreat facility for both men and women, who stay in small cottages and make use of a library and a meditation hall. |
The Abbey serves as a spiritual sanctuary for guests. The monks operate a non-denominational retreat facility for both men and women, who stay in small cottages and make use of a library and a meditation hall. |
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A new 10,000 square foot church was built in 2007, combining traditional [[Cistercian architecture]] with Pacific Northwest design elements. |
A new 10,000 square foot church was built in 2007, combining traditional [[Cistercian architecture]] with [[Pacific Northwest]] design elements. |
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Revision as of 01:32, 24 June 2009
Our Lady of Guadalupe Trappist Abbey is located near Lafayette, Oregon in Yamhill County, about 30 miles southwest of Portland. The monks there are members of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (commonly called the Trappists).
Currently the Abbey is home to about 35 monks. The monks live communally in the abbey. Their day is balanced by prayer, work, spiritual study, and contemplation.
The Abbey is located on 1300 acres of scenic forestland in the low hills at the west side of the Willamette Valley. The forest adds to the spiritual setting for the community, acts as a buffer to neighbors, and allows for cloistered retreat. It is also the basis for a sustainable forestry enterprise that provides income to the monks. Other income-generating enterprises include a book bindery, a wine warehouse for local wineries, and a fruitcake bakery.
History
The Abbey began in April 1948 at Pecos, New Mexico, as a foundation established by the Trappist community at Valley Falls, Rhode Island (which later became St. Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts). In March 1955 the monks, not finding farming sufficiently productive in northern New Mexico, sold the property to Benedictine monks and moved the abbey to its present site in Oregon.
The title "Our Lady of Guadalupe" commemorating the Virgin Mary's apparitions at Tepeyac, near Mexico City in 1531, was originally chosen because of the Mexican influence in the Southwest, and was gladly brought along to the Northwest.
The Abbey serves as a spiritual sanctuary for guests. The monks operate a non-denominational retreat facility for both men and women, who stay in small cottages and make use of a library and a meditation hall.
A new 10,000 square foot church was built in 2007, combining traditional Cistercian architecture with Pacific Northwest design elements.