Need a weekend escape from fast-paced city life?
Approximately forty miles east of Atlanta is a place of refuge, beauty and simplicity, the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, in Conyers. If you are searching for something more than a weekend away in the mountains, try a retreat with the monks.
People for centuries have sought out places of inspiration and reflection. Follow in the footsteps of countless refuge seekers to peaceful destinations like this one that move your spirit, have the power to change your perspective, and alter the view of your life and the world.
Nature awaits you amid 2,000 acres of beautiful wooded paths, lakes, picnic areas, and walking trails. Refresh your soul with a stay in the Retreat House, where a simple private room and meals are provided.
In addition to the Retreat House, the Monastery of the Holy Spirit has a Visitor and Monastic Heritage Center that displays historical interactive exhibits and video on the monastic life past and present. Here, Father Thomas greets visitors, and when I asked him why the center was build, he replied, “Georgia has a very small population of Catholic parishes. The Monastery of the Holy Spirit is an outreach to educate and serve the entire community here in Georgia regardless of religious affiliation. Everyone is welcome to experience our community of peace and contemplation.”
The Abbey Church is a beautiful Gothic style cathedral where visitors are welcome to join the monks at times of vespers (singing psalms) and community prayer throughout the day. The Abbey Store and Garden Café is the largest religious bookstore in Georgia, and features Monk-made fudge, biscotti and fruitcake, in addition to books, stained glass art, gifts, and jewelry. Visitors can also explore the Bonsai Garden and Nursery that showcases a wide variety of miniature trees grown and cultivated by the monks.
Accept an invitation to retreat with the monks of the Monastery of the Holy Spirit to find true rest, reflection and renewal.