(Assumption Abbey - Ava, MO)
Our Prayer Fraternity is located on property belonging to the Trappist monks at Assumption Abbey in rural Ava, MO. In September 1950, six Trappist monks arrived from New Melleray Abbey near Dubuque, IA, to start a new foundation here in the 'hills and hollers' of the Ozarks. The 3400 acres of the property were donated by Joseph and Lily Pierson.
The name Assumption Abbey was chosen, since in the year 1950, Pope Pius XII proclaimed the dogma of Our Lady's Assumption into heaven. The early monks lived first in an old Swiss stone chalet house (with no central heating and no electricity and no running water) that Mr. Pierson had on the grounds used for hunting purposes. Gradually, the monks built other buildings around the house. In 1971, they moved into the new monastery pictured above.
The first monks supported themselves by farming and orchards (that didn't fair well in this area); secondly, they utilized the rocks, sand, and gravel in the creeks to make concrete blocks (this was more successful but very hard work); for the past 25 years, the monks have supported themselves with a very successful 'fruitcake' business.
In 1972, Assumption Abbey assisted in beginning a new Trappist foundation in the Phillippines. In 1976, Nazareth Hermitage (with 3 hermits) was begun on another section of the property about 2 miles from the Abbey. The Franciscans arrived in 2005 to open their Interprovincial Prayer Fraternity on another section of the property, also about 2 miles distance from the Abbey.
Today, these three communities are a great support to each other and provide a 'spiritual oasis' here in southwestern Missouri, as part of the diocese of Springfield/Cape Girardeau. Pray for us as we do for you!
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