St. Gregory's Abbey, Benedictine monastery in Shawnee, United States.
St. Gregory's Abbey is a Benedictine monastery in Shawnee, Oklahoma, home to a community of around 20 monks. The grounds include structures for worship, living quarters, and agricultural work, where the monks carry out their daily responsibilities.
French Benedictine monks founded the monastery in 1876, first settling in Konawa before relocating to Shawnee after a devastating fire in 1901. This move marked a turning point that established its current place in the region.
The community follows Benedictine principles that weave together prayer, craftsmanship, and daily work in a structured rhythm. Visitors can observe this way of life through the regular prayer services that shape each day.
The monastery welcomes visitors during prayer times, which occur throughout the day and offer insight into monastic life. It is wise to plan ahead and check access times, as entry may be limited.
The monastery maintains its own farmland and practices sustainable agriculture to feed the community. This self-sufficiency is a key part of Benedictine tradition centered on manual work.
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