Our Lady of Guadalupe Benedictine Monastery

Our Lady of Guadalupe Benedictine Monastery

In the mountains outside Silver City, Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery is home to a small community of Benedictine monks. The monastery was founded in 1991 and occupies a quiet, high-desert setting overlooking the surrounding countryside.

The monastery includes separate communities of monks and nuns. Both are technically cloistered but the monks maintain a visitor center for guests. You can enter the chapel, attend Mass or hear the monks chant the Divine Office, and visit the monastery gift shop. The chapel is open daily, and no appointment is required to attend the public prayer services.

Abbey Roast Coffee

The monks operate workshops and a farm, producing goods ranging from baked products to woodworking, leatherwork, and other crafts, some of which are sold through the gift shop. ‘Abbey Roast Coffee’ is also produced by the monks and is available for purchase bagged or made into drinks by the monks themselves!

Talking to Monks

My favorite part of visiting the monastery was the opportunity to talk with the monks. They were very welcoming and happy to answer questions about their way of life, the monastery, and their various crafts and products. The monastery is an independent Benedictine community affiliated with the Society of Saint Pius X and I really enjoyed hearing the monks’ perspective on the Christian faith.

Final Take

This is a short, quiet stop rather than a major attraction. If you are already exploring Silver City, plan on 30 minutes to an hour to get to the chapel and see the gift shop, or time your visit with one of the monastery’s daily chants for a more memorable experience.