About Mary Mother of the Church Abbey · Richmond, Virginia
Mary Mother of the Church Abbey is a Benedictine monastery located outside Richmond, Virginia, dedicated to prayer, work, and service under the Rule of Saint Benedict. Founded by monks who staffed parishes in the Diocese of Richmond since 1860, the community gained independence in 1989 and moved to its current 50-acre campus in Goochland County in 1994. The abbey operates Benedictine College Preparatory School (boys) and Saint Gertrude High School (girls), unified under the Benedictine Schools of Richmond since 2020. The monks serve parishes and hospitals in the Diocese of Richmond and invite visitors to discern a vocation to monastic life.
- Established
- 1989
- Patron
- Mary Mother of the Church
- Diocese
- Diocese of Richmond
Why belong here
Join a community of Benedictine monks who live by the Rule of Saint Benedict, centered on prayer and work. Experience a stable rhythm of daily life dedicated to God, service to others, and formation in virtue. The abbey offers spiritual direction, vocation discernment, and opportunities to serve through education and parish ministry.
Our History
The Benedictine presence in Richmond began in 1860 with Fr. Leonard Meyer, OSB, staffing St. Mary’s Parish. In 1911, under sponsorship of Belmont Abbey, the monks opened Benedictine College Preparatory School. In 1989, the Richmond monks became an independent monastery under the patronage of Mary Mother of the Church. They purchased their current campus in 1993 and moved in 1994. Benedictine College Preparatory School relocated to campus in 2013, and Saint Gertrude High School moved there in 2020, forming the Benedictine Schools of Richmond.
Our Prayer Life
Prayer gives us the firm foundation we need to find our purpose. The Rule of St. Benedict guides us at Mary, Mother of the Church Abbey. Work, prayer and contemplation fill our days and keep us centered on God. In a stable rhythm of prayer, we return again and again to God, the Lord of our lives. In daily service, we prosper our brothers and the life of the world around us.
Our Work
The human heart is on a quest for purpose and belonging. Without a firm foundation, it’s restless and confused, longing to reach its full potential. The Rule of Saint Benedict centers life on “ora et labora” — prayer and work. Around this simple rule, a monk’s life takes a new shape. In daily service, he prospers his brothers and the life of the world around him. Across the hours of each day, he renews walking the journey of the purpose he was made for.