Overview

Celebrating over 100 years in Idaho, the Center for Benedictine Life community reflects with awe and gratitude on what our pioneer Sisters accomplished, including their determination to build a future based firmly on a solid land base. Today, the Center for Benedictine Life at the Monastery of St. Gertrude owns – or as the Sisters prefer to say, is responsible for – approximately 1,400 acres of land. Most of the land is forested, but also includes farm and grazing land, gardens and orchards. This land provides us with fresh fruits, herbs and vegetables, which is shared with  guests. It also provides contemplative space for all those welcomed to the property.

The Benedictine Sisters settled here in 1910, and many of the stories of our early history revolve around the land. Pioneer Sisters talked about tramping through the woods looking for the cows, pinning up their habits and helping to bring in the hay, and spending much of the summer hoeing the orchard and garden.

When the present monastery was built in the 1920s, the stone used in its construction was quarried from the nearby hillside. Many quiet walks, prayerful moments and happy picnics have taken place on these grounds. The Center for Benedictine Life sees itself intimately related to this land and has made a corporate commitment to its care.