UPDATE: The construction of the new monastery building has begun as of January 2020
The Poor Clares of Tonapah, Arizona are a group of contemplative nuns dedicated to perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. These cloistered nuns journeyed from Alabama to the desert of Arizona in 2005 to start a new foundation of the Poor Clares called Our Lady of Solitude. They were originally part of the community of Our Lady of the Angels in Alabama (Mother Angelica's community) before heading out West, and are fondly known as the 'Desert Nuns"
Update: The monastery building is completed and the nuns have moved in. There is room for 16 nuns so there is 8 to 10 cells still empty. Did I say 'cells' ? 😊
The Poor Clares are Franciscan nuns, and are followers of St. Clare (a spiritual companion of St Francis of Assisi). In 2005 these 'Desert Nuns' literally started from scratch. Today a large chapel has been built as well as retreat houses. A large monastery is in the works that will house 16 nuns and then later expanded to house an additional 12- that is the plan. My understanding is that the nuns occupy the retreat house until the monastery is built. Interested parties should go directly to the Poor Clares site online at http://desertnuns.com/
Some of the vocational guidelines include the following:
Have a high school diploma.
Be between the ages of 18 and 35.
Strong devotion to the most Blessed Sacrament.
Good physical, emotional, and psychological health.
For more information one should contact the nuns directly by clicking on the link provided above where you can email them. Or write to the abbess by post at:
Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration
Mother Marie Andre PCPA Superior
Our Lady of Solitude Monastery
PO Box 639
Tonapah, AZ. 85354
Tonapah is about an hour west of Phoenix, Arizona. To get precise directions one should contact the nuns directly.
The Poor Clares are Franciscan nuns, and are followers of St. Clare (a spiritual companion of St Francis of Assisi). In 2005 these 'Desert Nuns' literally started from scratch. Today a large chapel has been built as well as retreat houses. A large monastery is in the works that will house 16 nuns and then later expanded to house an additional 12- that is the plan. My understanding is that the nuns occupy the retreat house until the monastery is built. Interested parties should go directly to the Poor Clares site online at http://desertnuns.com/
Some of the vocational guidelines include the following:
Have a high school diploma.
Be between the ages of 18 and 35.
Strong devotion to the most Blessed Sacrament.
Good physical, emotional, and psychological health.
For more information one should contact the nuns directly by clicking on the link provided above where you can email them. Or write to the abbess by post at:
Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration
Mother Marie Andre PCPA Superior
Our Lady of Solitude Monastery
PO Box 639
Tonapah, AZ. 85354
Tonapah is about an hour west of Phoenix, Arizona. To get precise directions one should contact the nuns directly.
