Hesychia House of Prayer, located in New Blaine,
Arkansas, is an important ministry of the Sisters of St.
Scholastica. Nestled among the Boston Mountains, Hesychia, a Greek
word meaning peace, is staffed by four Sisters who live a life of
prayer and hospitality to those of any faith seeking quiet time
alone with God.
There are three short term hermitages
available and one long term hermitage. The short term hermitages are
available for as little as one day to several days. The long term
hermitage, named Sacro Speco in honor of St. Benedict's time in the
cave in Subiaco, Italy, is available for those who desire total
solitude for a longer amount of time . . . for one week to several
months. Guests staying in the short term hermitages are invited to
share the evening meal with the staff as well as to participate as
they wish in the praying of the Liturgy of the Hours and Eucharist.
Linens, basic food supplies, and simple cooking equipment are
provided.
Guests wanting to stay in the long-term hermitage are
expected to do their own cooking, and a fuller kitchen set up makes
this possible.
Guests using any facility at Hesychia are
encouraged to make use of the wooded hiking trails, the peaceful
scenery and the deep quiet that sets the atmosphere to seek God
freely. There is a tape and book library available, and the Sisters
meet with the guests who desire direction upon request. Cows roam
the pastures and provide a relaxing view from the windows of the
hermitages.
The suggested donation for the hermitages is $50/night
for the first week and $35/night thereafter; and $20 for a day only.
However, if someone is unable to pay that amount, a lesser amount
will be accepted, as we do not want anyone wishing to spend time
with God here to stay away because of lack of money. An additional
donation is appreciated for directed retreats. We ask $20 to meet a
plane or bus in Fort Smith.
If you are interested in making reservations or in
learning more about Hesychia, please contact the Sisters directly at
the address and number below.
Hesychia House of
Prayer
Sr. Louise Sharum, OSB Director
204 St.
Scholastica Road
New Blaine, Arkansas
72851
Telephone:
479-938-7375
E-mail:
Hesychia
House of Prayer
