Our Lady of the Redwoods Abbey, Trappist nunnery in Whitethorn, Humboldt County, US.
Our Lady of the Redwoods Abbey is a Trappist nunnery set among old growth redwoods near the coast, with gardens, a stream, and walking trails throughout the grounds. The community operates a guest house with twelve rooms where visitors can stay for personal retreats.
Four nuns from Nazareth Abbey in Belgium founded the community in 1962, establishing themselves in a house donated by film director Robert Usher. This monastic presence has continued in the coastal redwood region since then.
The community follows daily prayer and work schedules rooted in Cistercian tradition, maintaining close ties to the land through gardening. This rhythm shapes how visitors experience the abbey during retreats.
Visitors can arrange private retreats at the guest house for weekends or longer stays, with vegetarian meals and spiritual guidance included. Plan visits during quieter times if you prefer a more reflective experience away from peak periods.
The renowned monk and author Thomas Merton gave talks at the abbey in 1968 on ecology and spirituality that were recorded and preserved. These recordings offer listeners today access to conversations with an important spiritual thinker.
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