Monastery of the Holy Spirit

The Monastery of the Holy Spirit, officially known as the Monastery of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit, is a Trappist monastery situated near Conyers, Georgia. Established on March 21, 1944, by twenty monks migrating from the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky, it holds a significant place within the Catholic Church and the local landscape.

History and Development

The monastery's inception involved a generous donation of 1,400 acres from the Archdiocese of Atlanta and silent film star Colleen Moore. The initial monks resided in a barn, subsequently building a "pine board" monastery where they lived from 1944 to 1959. During this period, they constructed the current concrete monastery, which includes a retreat house and cloister. A fire in 2005 regrettably destroyed the original pine board structure, which had housed their carpentry and stained glass businesses.

The monastery is currently led by Abbot Augustine Myslinski, who received his abbatial blessing on August 15, 2016, and was re-elected in 2022. He follows in the footsteps of previous abbots such as Augustine Moore, Armand Veilleux, Bernard Johnson, Basil Pennington, and Francis Michael Stiteler.

Spiritual Life and Ministry

The core of the monks' existence at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit is prayer. Their day begins at 4 AM with vigils and contemplation, followed by Mass at 7 AM. Throughout their work, they observe prayer times at mid-morning, midday, evening (vespers), and night (compline), with a period of "grand silence" after 8 PM. Guests at the retreat house are encouraged to participate in these prayer services.

A substantial portion of the monastic community are priests who administer the Sacrament of Penance (Confession) and are available for spiritual direction. The monastery welcomes individuals from all faiths, and those with no religious affiliation.

Self-Sustainment and Public Engagement

Adhering to the Rule of St. Benedict, the monks practice self-sustainment through various enterprises. These include the production and sale of stained glass, the operation of a green cemetery on their property, and the creation of fruitcakes and fudge. In 2011, a visitor center was established in the original barn, housing a museum that chronicles the monastery's history and work.

The monastery also fosters lay engagement through its Lay Associate movement, which guides lay people in Cistercian spirituality. These groups form prayerful communities and make annual retreats to the monastery. The Monastery of the Holy Spirit serves as the motherhouse for five groups of Lay Cistercians, with affiliated groups existing worldwide.

The monastery's grounds are an integral part of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area and serve as the southernmost point on the Arabia Mountain Path, making it a site of both spiritual and natural significance.