Christ in the Desert Monastery was established in 1964 by Fr. Aelred Wall, OSB, along with monks from Mount Saviour Monastery in New York. The monastery follows the Benedictine Rule and is situated in the Chama Canyon wilderness in northwestern New Mexico, approximately 75 miles north of Santa Fe, surrounded by Federal Wilderness lands.
Renowned architect George Nakashima designed the original monastery structure in 1964. The Monastery Church is distinguished by its location in Chama Canyon with expansive mountain views. The building features a striking wood lattice ceiling and large windows that frame views of the surrounding cliffs and mountains. The interior showcases a primitive crucifix, wooden lecturn, and monastic benches arranged for worship.
In its early years, the monastery endured challenging conditions — the church was heated only by propane stoves despite winter temperatures dropping below minus 35 degrees. The monastery was received into the English Province of the Subiaco Congregation as a Conventual Priory in 1983 and achieved autonomous abbey status in 1996.
The chapel contains sacred artwork including a sculpture of Our Lady of Guadalupe and primitive religious statuary in alcoves.
