Saint Meinrad Archabbey, located in southern Indiana in Spencer County, is one of only two archabbeys in the United States. Founded in 1854, the archabbey is home to 80 Benedictine monks who pray, work and live in community.
The monks operate Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology, a retreat program, Abbey Caskets and CareNotes.
Visitors are always welcome at Saint Meinrad. Here are some things you’ll want to be sure to do:
- Take a walking tour of the church and grounds. Stop by the Archabbey Guest House and Retreat Center to pick up a walking tour brochure or an MP3 player to guide you around the campus and inside the 111-year-old Archabbey Church.
Hike the nature trail. The mile-long Marian Shrine Trail leads you past the Stations of the Cross on a path shaded by large trees. The trail ends at a shrine to the Blessed Mother.- Attend Mass or one of the four daily prayer services. Join the monks in the Archabbey Church to celebrate Mass or sing Gregorian chant. You can find a prayer schedule at the Guest House.
- Enjoy an art exhibit in the Archabbey Library Gallery. The exhibits change regularly, but visitors are welcome to visit the library and view the sculptures, paintings or other art on display.
Find out about attending a retreat. Pick up a retreat schedule at the Guest House to find a topic that interests you. Retreats are held on weekends and midweek.- Visit Monte Cassino Shrine. Just a mile away, the 1870 chapel to the Virgin Mary is steeped in tradition. The shrine was newly restored and upgraded last fall and is a beautiful place to enjoy some moments of peace and quiet.
- Check out the Archabbey Gift Shop and the Scholar Shop bookstore. If you’re looking for books, music, gifts or specialty items, the Gift Shop and Scholar Shop offer plenty of options. The Gift Shop has an entire section of products made by monks and nuns – and there’s a café for sandwiches, snacks and drinks.
For a map, prayer schedule and other info, visit www.saintmeinrad.org/visit-us/.
