For More Information
Sr. Louise Sharum, OSB
204 St. Scholastica Road
New Blaine, Arkansas, 72851
Telephone: 479-938-7375
E-mail:
Hesychia 'at' centurytel 'dot' net
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Hesychia House of Prayer
Short-term hermitage nestled in the pasture.
The Hesychia House is nestled among the Boston Mountains in New Blaine, Arkansas. The house is staffed by three Sisters who live a life of prayer and hospitality to those of any faith who are seeking quiet time alone with God.
There are three short-term hermitages available and one long-term hermitage available for stay. The short term hermitages can be made available for as little as one day, and up to several days. The long term hermitage, named Sacro Speco in honor of St. Benedict's time in a cave in Subiaco, Italy, is available for those who desire total solitude for a longer period of time, ranging from one week to several months. Guests staying in the short term hermitages are often invited to share an evening meal with the staff as well as to participate as they wish in praying the Liturgy of the Hours and the 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, but a full kitchen setup easily allows for this adjustment.
First cemetery for the Sisters of St. Scholastica
Guests using any facility at Hesychia are encouraged to make use of the beautiful wooded hiking trails, the peaceful scenery, and the deep quiet that sets an atmosphere to seek God freely. There is a tape and book library available, and the Sisters can meet with guests who desire more direction. 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; a $20 donation is requested for a day only. However, if someone is unable to pay the requested amount, a lesser amount will be accepted, as we do not want anyone wishing to spend time with God here to be turned away because of a lack of money. An additional donation is appreciated for directed retreats. We also ask $30 to meet a plane or bus in Fort Smith to pick up retreatants.
If you are interested in making reservations or in learning more about Hesychia, please contact the Sisters directly at the address and number on the left side.