If I were to picture a mirage in the desert, it might look a bit like Holy Trinity Monastery, minus the gigantic cross. The cross is impressive, the first thing you see, but it isn't what draws me to these grounds. There are so many celestial nooks and crannies to explore here that you might need to give yourself a couple of hours to fully appreciate all that HTM has to offer. Yes, some of the buildings are in need of a paint job and a little TLC but that doesn't detract from the beauty here. The gazebo woven of living branches that beckons you to the front of the church, the lush, open bird sanctuary, the meditation pond, complete with bridge and giant Koi, THESE are the things you'll remember. And if you're so inclined, there are outdoor stations of the cross, set amidst the peaceful woods that surround the church. There is a bookstore, thrift shop and RV park. They even offer an opportunity for a retreat, if you ever need a break from the madness of the modern world. read more

Holy Trinity Monastery - The living gazebo in front of the church. - Churches Near Me

See all

If I could give this place 10 stars, I would! I had the pleasure of taking a retreat to help me reflect on relationships, prayer and where God wants me to go in life. Words cannot express the amazing experience I had at this very progessive and open minded monastery - Holy Trinity Monastery. So here are some common monastery myths debunked because this place was AMAZING! Very reasonable rates, great value RVs and travelers are welcomed! Myth #1: Monasteries have walls surrounding them like a fence. UM NO! This place has nothing but open spaces (except walls in my room). They also have a library, a gift shop, a chapel, dinning hall and little meditation bungalows. Myth #2: Monasteries are not open to new ideas. This place has the outdoor stations of the cross! Most churchs have indoor stations of the cross with premade images - at this monastery, you can imagine your own. Myth #3: Monasteries are mostly gardens and large stone buildings. There is a beautiful iron and cement bridge designed and built by an engineer (a lay person too!) living on the monastery. The bridge crosses a pond actually has koi fish and peacocks walking around it. Myth #4: Only Monks live at a monastery and only men live at a monastery. This monastery is one of the few that allows your average Joe or Jane to live on the grounds or just visit. Myth #5: There are only religious books at a monastery. The monastery library contained thousands upon thousands of non religious books, even a whole section on CS Lewis and fiction books like "Alice in Wonderland". Myth #6: All masses are held indoors at a monastery. The biggest cross with the biggest outdoor altar with one of the biggest outdoor churches you've ever seen is at this monastery. During the summer and for special occasions mass is held outside. Myth #7: You eat soup out of wooden bowls at a monastery and only have 1 meal per day. THE FOOD HERE IS DELICIOUS! Every morning, lunchtime and dinner, we had something different, from a complete salad bar with breaded chicken breast to homeade fench toast with oatmeal and pecans. read more

See all

This place is pretty, but looked a little run down on our recent visit. My friend had been there before many years ago and raved about it, which is why we drove out of the way to visit, but I wasn't impressed. It was quiet, but we saw zero people on the property. read more

See all

This was my second retreat in this blessed place. The cross is the beacon guiding you to find solace and peace. I feel welcomed there, rooms are comfortable, volunteers cook and serve good satisfying meals. There was a baker from Minnesota this time who delighted us with the best ciabatta! I look forward to my next retreat there hoping it will be longer that just a weekend, I still have to walk the stations of the cross read more

Just finished a personal weekend writing retreat here. Can't overstate my delight with the place. I stayed in the Hermitage East, which overlooks a duck pond. The room was simple but had everything I needed: private bathroom, desk, mini fridge, microwave, space heater. Community meals are included, occasionally taken in silence, and we're delicious! There are a group of retirees residing in RVs on the grounds--holy hobos--who make up part of the community there. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming. A great introduction for me to Benedictine hospitality. Participation in the prayer services, etc is entirely optional. The grounds were rustic and charming and include a graveyard, pecan trees, a used book pod, the chapel, and several small ponds. It was the perfect place to write, read and think. read more

See all

I pictured monks serving us our meals and the cathedral choir singing songs all day before I arrived. I was genuinely sad when I found out from a worker that the monks no longer reside there. Low numbers of monks & reassignment were what happened. I hoped to meet one and maybe get a special blessing. Both times I've stayed were for a weekend church retreat. It is an oasis in the desert & driving into the town of St. David was like traveling back in time. When you first drive in, you'll see the bookstore which sells gifts, catholic essentials, & some homemade munchies. The staff is really welcoming & volunteers live and work there. There are a couple monastery rules like only drive 5mph, no firearms & such. The cook was the same gentleman who cooked at both retreats. It was yummy food and the salad bar was always open, which was awesome to balance out the desserts they made! There is a walking trail near the back of the monastery, a small lake & a meditation garden with some curious, cute Koi Fish! If you stand at the garden bridge, the Koi will swim up to see if you have any goodies. If you are scared of spiders, you might have to kill some in your room, depending on where you are placed. And when I went in May, my allergies were killing me and the pollen from the plentiful trees and dust didn't help. I loved it because it was a big place with many spots to journal or just reflect quietly if the peacocks don't come up and say hello! And there are no distractions here: no tv's, no noise except for the church bells & friendly peacocks. Some areas needed TLC like the Lady in the Lake-it was hard to see her amidst the tall grass. Recommendations: bring walking shoes, water and snacks. The dining hall is not open all day, only at certain times. read more

I usually hate the phrase "oasis in the desert" because I think it is corny and way overused in reviews but in this case it applies. The surrounding area is dry prairie land and high desert scrub but miraculously the monastery grounds are full of green grass, tall Cottonwood trees, wildflowers and other vegetation. They even have a Koi pond which appears to have a natural water source since there was no visible lining on the bottom or pipes. I am guessing there is an underground water reservoir or river located below the town and so it is quite literally an oasis. I came here last Saturday (11/12/11) for their twice annual Festival of the Arts. This event gives local artists and craftsmen a chance to try to sell their wares. It is free to get in but the $3 parking fee and money collected from the vendors go to the monastery, their charitable works, and The Catholic Church. The day we went was uncharacteristically cloudy so the festival was not too crowded. My parents go every year and they said usually they have to park much further away. We had a good time walking around, eating kettle corn and looking at the merchandise in all the stalls. There wasn't really anything amazing there... it was mostly the usual wind chimes, jewelery, leather works, and handmade soaps. We did end up buying some matted pics of San Xavier mission from a local photographer. I would have liked to have seen more paintings/sculptures. Also, there wasn't much in the way of food offerings. However, a big plus was that they had real bathrooms instead of port-a-potties. Overall, it is worth the drive if you have guests in town or are just looking for something to do. Even if it is not a festival weekend they do offer a daily mass and I believe that the entire grounds are open to the public. They have a bookstore and thrift store onsite that you can peruse. There is even an RV park if you want to camp out for a while. Their website has more info on special events like lectures, concerts, and spiritual retreats that they put on so it seems like they really have a lot to offer. read more

Lovely stop between Tucson and Bisbee.... a Benedictine monastery with shady gardens and ponds. A feeling of peace permeates the entire complex. read more

Beautiful place, peaceful, tranquil. We love to go especially to attend mass on Sunday, and after the mass to mingle with the people and enjoy coffee and pastries outside of the bookstore that has lots of books, religious stamps and pictures etc. A place were you feel peace and the hand of God everywhere . The festivals are very good, entretaining, and you get to see what all the good thing the vendors are offering. read more