THE SAINT MEINRAD ARCHABBEY, ST. MEINARD, INDIANA IS NESTLED AMONG THE ROLLING HILLS OF SOUTHERN INDIANA AND IT'S A GEM FOR PRIVATE SOLITUDE. YOU ONLY HEAR THE CHURCH BELLS CHIME, THE BIRDS SING AND THE WIND AS IT WHISTLES THROUGH THE TREES.

The Saint Meinrad Archabbey was founded in 1854 by monks from Einsiedeln Abbey in Switzerland. Today, it is home to approximately 100 monks. It is one of only two archabbeys in the United States and one of 11 in the world. The grounds are also home to the Saint Meinrad Seminary & School of Theology. The school serves as an education center for approximately 150 students currently studying for the priesthood. Students from all parts of the world attend. Since its inception, thousands of students have graduated from the school. The school also offers the "One Bread, One Cup" summer conferences for high school students.

The Archabbey Church was completed in 1907. The Church and all buildings convey an undeniably feeling of grace, European architecture and religious spirit. The monks live by the "Rule of St. Benedict" and have vowed to lives of poverty, chastity and obedience. They gather in the church five times a day to pray for the Church and the world. The gatherings are morning prayer, Mass, noon prayer, evening prayer and compline. Prayer services include the Gregorian chant, singing of the Psalms, hymns and readings. Guests are welcome and encouraged to attend all services.

The Archabbey Guest House and Retreat Center offers 31 air-conditioned rooms with private baths. Each room is very comfortable and modern. Internet service is available but there are no TV's or radios and quiet time is 9:00 pm. Remember you are going there for a retreat. All meals are on a set schedule and complete meal service for breakfast, lunch and dinner is available. Brother Marcus may even serve you complementary wine during dinner. The food is very good and it will remind you of your grandmother's old-fashioned home cooking.

Surrounding the Guest House are the beautiful grounds of the Archabbey offering walking, hiking and panoramic countryside lake views. Or, you can just sit on a bench absorbing the sun, viewing the scenic grounds and enjoying the solitude. You will find yourself studying the amazing architecture, style and structure of the buildings and the Archabbey Church. Guided tours are available or you are welcome to do your own tour. The Archabbey Church is an architectural wonder itself both inside and out. All structures were built of hugh blocks of sandstone that were carved from the adjacent rolling hills and moved by horse and wagon in the early 1900's. The Archabbey is a place of total peace and quiet. In the summer you can hear the leaves falling to the ground and in the winter you can hear the snowflakes touching the snow. All the buildings sit atop the rolling hills making sunrises and sunsets spectacular.

As a member of the Guest House you have access to the Church, educational buildings and all student hangouts including Jacks and The Unstable. You won't want to miss The Unstable. A very fine workout center is also available as well as full access to the student library. Bring your walking shoes because many sites you will want to see are a short walk from the Archabbey. You can easily hike to the Monte Cassino Chapel built in the 1870's located on top of an adjoining hill. Gift shops and the world famous Abbey Press are also available for your visit.

The monks offer many weekend and midweek small group retreats throughout the year geared to your particular interests and spiritual values. Or, you can just make reservations and have your own private retreat. Individual spiritual guidance from a monk can also be requested. The Guest House also has its own library that includes previously taped group retreats for your viewing. Whether your retreat is for one night or for a week or longer, The Archabbey offers everything necessary to make you retreat very comfortable without leaving the grounds.

If you go:

Location: St. Meinrad, Indiana is located about 40 miles northeast of Evansville, IN; 60 miles west of Louisville, KY; 110 miles south of Indianapolis, IN and 200 miles east of St Louis, MO.

Guest House/Retreat Reservations: Call toll-free (800) 581-6905, or (812) 357-6585. For on-line visit www.saintmeinrad.edu and click "Retreat Program".

Tips: Your visit will be extremely rewarding anytime of the year. However, Southern Indiana offers the beautiful change of seasons. Leaves change colors about October 1st, the first snowfall can be as early as Thanksgiving Day and beautiful spring flowers plus bright green tree leaves arrive about May 1st.

In The Area: Only minutes away is the Lincoln State Park and the famous Holiday World and Splashin' Safari Park at Santa Claus, IN.

Recommendation: A retreat can work wonders for self rejuvination. If you are not familiar with how you should plan your time when on a private retreat, I suggest that you do some selective reading. Amazon.com is a good place to start.