Saint Anselm's Abbey

Saint Anselm's Abbey is a Benedictine monastery in Northeast Washington that sits on wooded grounds creating a quiet retreat from the urban environment. The complex includes a chapel, residential buildings for the monks, and is connected to an adjacent school.

The monastery was founded in 1923 with roots in Fort Augustus Abbey in Scotland, bringing European monastic traditions to Washington. This connection helped establish the community's early practices and spiritual foundation.

The monks maintain an active community where prayer and work shape daily life, and their presence in the chapel reflects a living spiritual tradition. Visitors can observe how they integrate contemplation with teaching and service to others.

You can attend daily liturgical services in person or watch them online if that works better for your schedule. Check ahead to learn which services are open to visitors and what times work best for your visit.

The community blends centuries-old monastic practices with modern responsibilities at the adjacent school, showing how traditional spirituality adapts to education today. This combination of contemplative life and teaching work reflects how monastic communities continue to serve beyond prayer alone.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: 1923

Website: https://saintanselms.org

GPS coordinates: 38.94590,-76.98480

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:24