Franciscan Guest House in Kennebunk Beach, Maine
On the banks of the Kennebunk River, a short walk from Kennebunk Beach, and adjacent to the Franciscan Monastery property, the Franciscan Guest House is a truly unique cultural, spiritual and environmental gem in the heart of coastal Maine. Arthur Frommer features the Guest House as a favorite “Harborside Hideaway of Maine” in the June 2004 issue of Budget Travel Magazine. Overnight guests may stay at one of the five Franciscan guest houses, with accommodations ranging from standard rooms to multi-room suites - all including a full homemade Lithuanian breakfast. Complete Story, Video and Photos

Mount Saviour Monastery in Pine City, New York
The Monastery of Mount Saviour is a community of monks striving to live a simple, genuine and full monastic life according to the Scriptures and the Rule of St. Benedict. As members of an autonomous monastery of Pontifical rite within the Benedictine confederation, we seek to remain faithful to our authentic tradition continually revitalized by the Holy Spirit. Fr. Damasus Winzen and three companions came to a wooded hill outside Elmira NY, which they name Mount Saviour in honor of our Saviour's Transfiguration.The new monastery was not to be divided into 'choir monks' and 'lay brothers' as has been the custom in recent centuries. The monks share equal opportunities and equal burdens of work, study and prayer. The monks utilize 250 acres of the land for raising sheep and producing market lambs, yarn and pelt products while many other acres serve as a woodlot. Complete Story and Photos

Pluscarden Abbey, Elgin, Scotland
Pluscarden Abbey is the home of a community of Catholic Benedictine monks. It is the only medieval monastery in Britain still inhabited by monks and being used for its original purpose. Situated six miles south-west of Elgin in Moray, the monastery enjoys the peace and stillness of a secluded glen, but is easily reached by road from the town. The atmosphere of quiet reflection and of work dedicated to the glory of God is the same now as it was in the thirteenth century, when a community of monks first came to this part of Moray. If you visit the Abbey today, you can enjoy not only the beauty of its architecture and its setting but also something of the restful atmosphere of devotion that has so deeply permeated this little corner of Scotland. Guests are received in the two guest houses: men and women of all faiths are welcome to make a retreat here and to share in the prayer and work of the community. Complete Story and Photos

New Norcia, Australia
The Benedictine Community of New Norcia is the official title of the group of Roman Catholic monks who have owned and operated the small town of New Norcia, which is located  north of Perth in Australia, since 1847. New Norcia is Australia’s only monastic town, with the Monastery, where the monks live, work and pray, at its heart. The monks of New Norcia live according to the guidance and rhythms of The Rule of St Benedict, which has been followed by monks since the sixth century AD. Monks who do so are referred to as ‘Benedictines’.   In keeping with St Benedict’s Rule of hospitality for guests, the Monastery Guesthouse is a place of retreat for individuals and groups from all walks of life and beliefs seeking to quietly share the simple life, prayer and rhythms of the Benedictine monastic community of New Norcia.  Complete Story