Get to know the Sisters at Santa Rita Abbey in Sonoita

By Carissa Krautscheid

Sonoita is known across Southern Arizona for the peaceful scenery, vibrant wines, and working cattle ranches. Another less-known gem of Sonoita is Santa Rita Abbey, tucked away in the verdant hills with a breathtaking view of the mountains. The Cistercian Sisters who live there maintain a quiet rhythm of prayer, Lectio Divina, and manual labor. A prayerful routine ensures that each aspect has its time and place in the lives of the Sisters, so that none is forgotten. 

The stillness at Santa Rita Abbey stems, not from a lack of activity, but rather from a font of peace, hope, and joy sourced fundamentally in the Lord. The small community of Sisters allows for close relationships. Visitors are invited to join the Sisters in prayer and at Mass.

The Sisters at Santa Rita engage in manual labor for the good of the community. Have you ever wondered where your altar bread hosts come from? Many of the parish communities in the Diocese of Tucson source their altar bread from Santa Rita Abbey! For over 35 years, the Sisters lovingly and prayerfully bake the bread that we receive at Communion. “It is a joy for us to prepare the bread which becomes the Bread of Life for the People of God,” their website says, “and we like to think that our prayer is an extra special ingredient in our altar bread recipe.”

Abbey Prioress, Sister Vicki, said, “We send them all over the United States. We find it really exciting to know that different local parishes have our hosts. We feel a deep connection with them and we always pray for all who receive our altar bread. Those people and parishes are very special to us.”



Additionally, Sisters at Santa Rita Abbey produce beautiful artwork for prayer and purchase. Sister Esther molds clay into expressive sculptures that are a blend of her native Filipino and Southwestern Native American cultures. “Lectio Divina, prayerful reflection on the Holy Scriptures, is essential to her creative works. The Gospel comes alive in the faces and attitudes of her subjects.” Sister Esther often incorporates local mesquite wood in her art and for use in the Chapel as their altar, tabernacle, and ambo.

The Abbey’s gift shop also features lovely greeting cards depicting Sister Esther’s painted images and Sister Pam’s beautiful photography. Another artist in the community is Sister Clare, who recently celebrated her Platinum Jubilee of 70 years in vows! Now in her 90s, Sister Clare studied iconography and has painted stunning works, such as the Madonna and Child that hangs in the Abbey Chapel.

These Cistercian Sisters thrive in the heart of the Incarnation. “Jesus is in every person we meet,” said Sr. Vicki. “In all that is made, God is present. Our life is built on that. The Incarnational aspect is very important to Cistercians. Our community life together is very important – how we relate to one another, how we care for the world and all creation – because God fills everything. Once you realize God is everywhere, you don’t have to go around looking for God, as if he’s hiding from us. All we have to do is open out.”

The joy and peace of the Cistercian Sisters at Santa Rita Abbey is undeniable. The community is invited to learn more about their order and abbey at santaritaabbey.org.

Additionally, single women ages 21-40 are invited to get to know the Sisters at their upcoming Monastic Experience Weekend from October 7-10. Participants are able to take part in the prayer life of the Sisters, participate in community work, engage in discussions with the Sisters, and enjoy time for prayer and reflection. One past participant shared, “I have never experienced anything like this before, but it has been incredible! I will forever hold it in my heart as a life-changing weekend.” For more information and to register, please visit: santaritaabbey.org/monastic-experience-weekend/.