In 1983 the Monastery of Christ in the Desert, which has always followed the Benedictine Rule, was received into the English Province of the Subiaco Congregation as a Conventual Priory and in 1996 became an autonomous abbey.  George Nakashima was the architect of the original monastery, 1964.

The Church of the Monastery was heated in the formative years only by propane stoves despite temperatures that dipped below -35 degrees in winter.

A different view of the Monastery Church showing the huge windows. George Nakashima, architect of the original monastery 1964.

The monastery is located in the Chama Canyon wilderness in northwestern New Mexico, about 75 miles north of Santa Fe, surrounded by miles of Federal Wilderness.

The monastery is located in the Chama Canyon wilderness in northwestern New Mexico, about 75 miles north of Santa Fe, surrounded by miles of Federal Wilderness.2

The sign on the bell reads: "If you wish to speak to one of the community, ring this bell".

Wood lattice ceiling and view of the cliffs through the chapel windows.  George Nakashima, architect of the original monastery, 1964.

Church interior featuring the altar, primitive crucifix, lecturn and monastic benches. Windows look out on the mountains.

Crucifix, wooden lecturn and candle stand. George Nakashima was the architect of the original monastery 1964.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Sculpture, wooden chairs and music stand in the chapel.

Primitive statue in an alcove of the chapel of the Christ in the Desert Monastery.