We follow the Cistercian tradition of monasticism, which was begun at an Abbey in Citeaux, France. St. Robert founded this new order, a branch of the Benedictines, in the eleventh century. His monastery followed the rule of St. Benedict and sought a more cloistered environment than that of the Benedictines. St. Bernard of Clairvaux continued the development of the monastic principles that the early Cistercian founders emphasized. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Cistercian tradition flourished and became what it is today.

The Monastery of the Holy Spirit is the first native-born Trappist foundation in the United States of America. It is the first daughter-house of Our Lady of Gethsemani Abbey. The monastery in Conyers was begun by 20 religious and lay brothers, who left their Kentucky monastery for the deep South on March 21, 1944.

The rule of St. Benedict requires monasteries to be self-sufficient, so we have established several ways to support ourselves. This website catalog of bonsai pottery and accessories is one of those ways. Our e-store is a result of Fr. Paul Bourne's bonsai hobby that grew into a business for the monastery. For more information about our bonsai history view our Pottery page.

Our Abbey Store offers the finest quality books and religious goods. To visit the Abbey Store or shop in their website catalog, go to www.abbeystore.org.

The monastery also has a Retreat House that allows guests to take a break from the fast pace of today's world and seek God's presence in simple, uncluttered surroundings. Retreatants come seeking solitude and quiet prayer for a few days. You may visit the monastery's Retreat House for more information.

You may learn more about the monastery and the Trappist order by visiting the monastery's website at www.trappist.net.

For directions to the Monastery of the Holy Spirit go to our Visit Us page.