Santa Rita Abbey facts for kids

The Santa Rita Abbey is a special place where a group of nuns live together. These nuns are called Trappistines, and they are part of a larger group known as Cistercian nuns. A monastic community means they live a quiet, religious life, often separate from the busy world. The Abbey is located in a beautiful area called Sonoita, Arizona, which is in the Diocese of Tucson.

History of Santa Rita Abbey

How the Abbey Started

The Santa Rita Abbey was started by another group of nuns from Mount Saint Mary's Abbey. This founding abbey is located far away in Wrentham, Massachusetts. The Santa Rita Abbey began in 1972. It was officially recognized as a "priory" in 1978. A priory is a type of monastery.

Life at the Abbey

The nuns of Santa Rita Abbey chose a peaceful home. They settled among the wide, grassy lands of the Coronado National Forest. This area is just north of Sonoita, Arizona. It is nestled in the foothills of the Santa Rita mountains.

The nuns have several important tasks. They make special bread used in church services, called altar breads. They also create beautiful sculptures. The Abbey offers a quiet place for visitors too. There are six individual rooms and a small apartment. These are available for people who want to experience the peace and quiet of the Abbey.

Leadership at the Abbey

As of 2012, the leader of the Santa Rita Abbey was Mother Victoria Murray. She is a member of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (O.C.S.O.).

Learn More

• Trappists
• Cistercian nuns