March 14-23, 2025
The life of the monks at Saint Meinrad Archabbey revolves around prayer and work for the love of God and neighbor. Located in the hills of rural southern Indiana, the monastery offers visitors a chance to experience a rhythm of life very different from our own. This immersion trip, sponsored by the Saint Benedict Institute, allows Hope students to enter into the rhythms of monastic life for a week, beginning with vigil prayers at 5:30 a.m. in the abbey church. The prayer is beautiful, the setting is tranquil, and the people are joyful. Below are reflections from several students who made the trip this year:
David Price:
This is my second time going to Saint Meinrad Archabbey for spring break. Last time I went was very powerful, and I sought the same presence in this venture as well. I expected a prayerful time of rest and reflection from this, and that is what I experienced. I was immersed in the beautiful way of life that the monks follow and through this encountered peace and rest in God. I gained new insights in trusting God from this trip, being away from the cares of my station in Holland as a student (among other responsibilities). I also gained further insight into the value of diligence and timely action.
Stephen Price:
This was my second time going on the Saint Meinrad trip, and both have been wonderful! My first time at Saint Meinrad in my sophomore year changed the course of that semester, as it totally rejuvenated me and revitalized me spiritually, allowing me to keep first things first while fulfilling my duty to my schoolwork. This year, I expected and received similar revitalization. I had plenty of time to pray, read, and take things slow. The change of pace afforded to me by my trip to the monastery has allowed me to keep in step with my duties at school with a refreshed vigor and to pursue Jesus through prayer and study. It was such a blessing to see the monks live out the Rule of Benedict in their routines of hospitality, corporate prayer, and piety. Thank you for your support in this opportunity!
Molly Leonard:
This was my second time going to Saint Meinrad. I went two years ago and found it incredibly fruitful, so I wanted to come back! The last time I went to Saint Meinrad, I was incredibly moved by the beauty and peace of the monastic life, and I found this permitted rich and fruitful prayer. My hope going into this trip was to fully embrace that peace, especially as I prepare to graduate and for several big transitions after graduation. As I hoped, I was able to reap many benefits from the peace and solitude offered by the monastery. I also greatly enjoyed praying the Divine Office with the monks as a way of sanctifying my time. One of the greatest gifts of this particular trip was a reminder of the need for community, by enjoying time working in the garden or eating lunch with our group, but also through observing the Benedictine value of community lived out by the monks.
Drew Hoeksema:
This was my first time going to Saint Meinrad. I heard in the past that it was very impactful for other students, and I wanted to have the experience there as well. This year was my last year at Hope, and I didn't want to pass up the opportunity to go on such a wonderful trip! I had little to no expectations going in. I knew that the experience would be very prayerful and contemplative, but I had no idea what the trip was going to look like. One new insight that I meditated on all week was praying while working. The physical labor in the garden, paired with the silence that we were expected to maintain, kept my mind open to hearing God's voice. While there was prayer time all week in the multiple chapels in the monastery, I found that the best prayer time was when we were working silently, keeping our minds empty and open to hearing God speak with us.
Gabby Hancock:
This was my second time going. I was expecting to go and rest and pray with the monks and enjoy some sunshine while being there! It was great to be with a non-Catholic on the trip. I feel like we had fruitful conversation and learned from one another about our faith backgrounds. It was also just very relaxing and peaceful to pray throughout the day with the monks.
