St. Aidan's

The guest facilities at the Melrose convent in the wooded hills about an hour north of New York City offer a rural experience of the monastic life. Retreatants may enjoy miles of meditative walks through trees of riotous autumn colors, perhaps stopping for a peaceful time on sun-baked rocks at the edge of a nearby lake. Those who wish to spend some time in private prayerful silence may reserve St. Pelagia's hermitage.

Visitors may wish to participate in the sisters' efforts to live sustainably by helping in the garden during the summer months, or perhaps assisting in gathering maple sap for the late winter sugaring process. Regular programs are offered throughout the year for education in Earth literacy. Please see the Bluestone Farm page for further information.

Visitors may join the sisters for recitation of the Daily Office in the small rustic chapel outside St. Cuthbert's House, which is also available for private prayer. Breakfast is provided; for other meals guests may either prepare food in the convenient Longhouse kitchen or visit local restaurants.

St. Pelagia's can accommodate one and the Long House five individual retreatants. Reservations for either must be made in advance.