The Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani, Trappist monastery in Nelson County, Kentucky
The Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani is a Trappist monastery set on extensive farmland in Kentucky with a distinctive three-story church in Neo-Gothic style. The grounds include several buildings for prayer spaces, monk residences, and work areas.
The monastery was established in 1848 by French monks and became the first Trappist community created in the United States. This founding marked the beginning of the Trappist movement on the American continent.
The monks structure their days around prayer and work, dedicating set hours to meditation, labor in the fields, and quiet reflection.
Visitors can attend daily prayer services held several times throughout the day, and everyone is welcome to join. It helps to learn the prayer times in advance and dress appropriately for the chapel.
The monks produce fruitcakes and several fudge varieties that they sell to support their community, maintaining a long tradition of craft food production. This food business generates important income for the monastery.
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