Santa Rita Abbey

07/14/2026

Bishop James Misko, our new bishop, visited us for the first time on July 11, the Solemnity of St. Benedict. Thank you, Bishop Misko! You and all the priests, deacons, religious and lay people of the Diocese of Tucson have a special place in our prayers.

05/09/2026

Our beloved Sr. Miriam Pollard went home to God on the afternoon of May 2, 2026. She was 92 years old and had been 67 years in monastic vows. Sr. Miriam served as our prioress from 2000-2012. A gifted writer, among her published works are “The Laughter of God: at Ease with Prayer” and a volume of poetry, “Neither Be Afraid”.
The funeral Mass will be here at the monastery on Tuesday, May 12, at 10:30 a.m. Viewing begins at 7:45 a.m.
May our dear Sister rest in peace!

03/26/2026

In this Lenten season, we are reminded that every vocation is rooted in love, a love that is poured out in service, sacrifice, and surrender to Christ.

Whether we are called to the priesthood, consecrated life, or holy marriage, the Lord invites each of us to become love in the heart of the Church.

May this Lent deepen our yes to God’s call and help us foster a culture of vocations.

St. Thérèse of Lisieux, pray for us.

03/19/2026

Santa Rita Abbey, a Cistercian community in the heart of Arizona, warmly invites you to experience the peace and rhythm of monastic life.

WHO: Women between 20 to 40 years old, who are interested in or discerning religious life
WHEN: Apr 10 (Fri) 4 pm ~ Apr 12 (Sun) 6 pm, 2026
WHERE: Santa Rita Abbey, Sonoita, AZ / https://santaritaabbey.org/
COST: NO fee
REGISTER: https://mailchi.mp/b9064f97c79c/u0xa28wcy2
CONTACT: [email protected] / 520-604-7972
FURTHER INFORMATION: https://santaritaabbey.org/becoming-a-nun/monastic-experience-event/

03/11/2026

01/04/2026

Our beloved Sr. Clare Renquin went home to God early on the morning of January 1, 2026.
She was 98 years old and had been 73 years in monastic vows. In 1972 she was one of the six nuns sent from our motherhouse, Mt. St. Mary's Abbey in Massachusetts, to found our monastery of Santa Rita here in the high desert of Southern Arizona.
Funeral Mass will be on Thursday, January 8, at 9:00 a.m.
May our beloved Sister rest in peace!

12/16/2025

Christmas Blessings from Santa Rita Abbey 🎄 - *|https://santaritaabbey.org/2025-santa-rita-abbey-christmas-newsletter/|*

11/28/2025

Happy Thanksgiving Day to one and all!
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His mercy endures forever."
We're trying to add photos but it isn't working. Maybe Facebook is overloaded tonight?
… Did it! ❤️🙏