Genesee Abbey

[AnthonyJ]

I’m looking to possibly go on retreat to Genesee Abbey (Trappist) in upstate NY. Has anyone ever been there? What were your experiences, if you’d like to share? Thank you.

In Christ,
Anthony

 

[Tarpeian_Rock]

I’m looking to possibly go on retreat to Genesee Abbey (Trappist) in upstate NY. Has anyone ever been there? What were your experiences, if you’d like to share? Thank you.

In Christ,
Anthony

I was on retreat there 4 years ago. The retreatants’ house is a bit down the road from the monastery, not really walkable too conveniently. Enjoyed the experience very much. The liturgies in the monastery chapel were wonderful, and being an avid reader of Henri Nouwen, it was an awesome experience to be there in his footsteps, so to speak, and knowing that he had helped to build the chapel during his time there as he records in his book about his experiences there. There weren’t as many scheduled conferences as some retreats I’ve been on, left a lot of time for individual prayer and contemplation. Best wishes for your experience if you go.

 

[louisak]

I made a retreat there some ten years or so ago. As the previous poster mentioned, it is a bit of a walk from the retreat house to the monastery/chapel, and rather icky if the weather is wet, as you have only a meager footpath. Although my information may be out of date, they may have fixed it up since then.

The retreatants’ quarters are just what they should be, in my opinion - rather spartan but not uncomfortable. The entrance to the monastery has a lovely view of the surrounding countryside which helps to get one into the right frame of mind. The chapel is a bit too modern in design for my tastes, but I seem to remember hearing some good homilies. I had a good experience there overall.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

I go on retreats at St Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer, MA.

spencerabbey.org/

I’ve met people from Long Island on retreat.

Accommodations are excellent.

Jim