Abbey of Regina Laudis, Benedictine monastery in Bethlehem, Connecticut, US.
Regina Laudis is an abbey in Bethlehem, Connecticut, housing about 40 Benedictine nuns. The monastery buildings stand on large grounds that include fields, woods, and a small chapel.
A Protestant industrialist named Robert Leather donated the land in 1947 to two French nuns from Jouarre Abbey. The community grew slowly and built the structures that now form the monastery over several decades.
The sisters run a small theater that offers summer performances, drawing audiences from nearby towns. Gregorian chant fills the chapel each day and sometimes appears on recordings the community produces.
The Monastic Art Shop near the entrance sells pottery, candles, honey, and dairy products made by the sisters. Visitors should call ahead for opening hours, as they can vary with the season.
A sister named Noella Marcellino studied microbiology and uses her knowledge to produce cheese with traditional methods. Her work appeared in a television documentary showing her blend of science and monastic life.
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