Gobernador (postal address Blanco), New Mexico, United States
Monastery of Our Lady of the Desert, Gobernador
What it is
A small monastery of Benedictine women begun in New Mexico in 1990, supported over the years by the Diocese of Gallup, foundations and private gifts.
What it needs
The nuns are leaving New Mexico for a former Benedictine monastery at Tickfaw, Louisiana. A raffle drawn on 22 August 2026 raised $6,000 toward the move, and the donation page lists funds for building expenses, winter heating and water.
Before you act. The website said the move would take place in mid-October 2026 'God willing' and promised an update; whether it has happened, and the address of the new house, were not confirmed. The community is relocating, not dissolving.
Last checked 8 November 2026. Parts of this entry could not be fully confirmed; see the note above. Responsible body: Monastery of Our Lady of the Desert (EIN 85-0397413).
In June 2026 the community announced that, for the health care and safety of its members, it would relocate from Holy Name Monastery to the American House senior residence in Zephyrhills over the following months. The sisters say information about the future of the monastery property will be shared when available; gifts support the sisters' care and their remaining ministries.
The prior's message on the monastery's site says the monks accept that they will not survive as a community and are in the process of turning over ownership of the monastery to the Missionary Servants of the Word, who already operate the retreat house. The monks continue their life of prayer there and accept online donations.