page_title: Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani
section_title: Retreats
hierarchical_section_title: Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani / Life at the Abbey / Retreats
context_page_description: The Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani is a monastery near Bardstown, Kentucky, in Nelson County, a part of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, better known as the Trappists. Founded on 21 December 1848 and raised to an abbey in 1851, Gethsemani is considered to be the motherhouse of all Trappist and Trappistine monasteries in the United States of America. Gethsemani is the oldest monastery in the United States that is still operating.
  Following the Rule of Saint Benedict, the Trappist monks live a contemplative life of faithful prayer and work. The monastery is situated on a working farm of 2,000 acres. The monks support themselves and the abbey through its store, Gethsemani Farms, offering handmade fruitcake, and bourbon fudge.
  Gethsemani was the home of Trappist monk, social activist and author Thomas Merton from 1941 until his death in 1968.
context_section_description: The tradition of Gethsemani accepting guests on the grounds dates back to its foundation in 1848, a tradition informed by Saint Benedict's Rule for Monasteries. Guests have ample room to roam around at the abbey, with trails, woodlands and expansive fields suitable for quiet walks and reflection. Gethsemani has a retreat house with thirty rooms for visitors complete with private baths and air conditioning, available by reservation. Retreats are silent and unstructured at the abbey. Both men and women are welcome to book a stay at the retreat house, though depending on the time they are housed there on different weeks. It is advised that visitors book their stays four months in advance, as the available slots tend to fill up fairly fast. Male visitors are discouraged, and female visitors are barred, from entering the enclosure. Speaking is allowed only in designated areas and visitors are expected to speak only in those areas.
caption: Guest quarters
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