The North American Association of Dominican Monasteries partnered with the Dominican Friars of the Western Province to revive a monastery in Hollywood. Announced on March 9 through the authorities of both ecclesiastical institutions, the Los Angeles monastery operated for almost a century. It closed due to the pandemic, though its gift and baked goods enterprise remain open to the public, as well as the chapel for visits.

A public process will begin in April to consider options for the restoration of the monastery located in the Hollywood Hills that was home to a community of cloistered Dominican nuns, who dedicated their lives to the scriptures. 

An article published by Religion News, states:

Christopher Hanzeli, a spokesman for the Dominican Friars of the Western Province, said having a public process is crucial “to gather as many creative and interesting ideas as possible” to protect the future of the monastery.

“We wanted to be open to whatever the Holy Spirit wants from this process,” Hanzeli told Religion News Service.

The closure of this monastery in 2022 is a reflection of the conditions of congregations in North America. A significant reduction of the faithful is the most common reason for the closure of ecclesiastical entities.  

You can read more about it here.

About Post Author

Melanie Encina

Melanie is a journalist, audiovisual producer, and social communication student with more than five years of experience in photography, content creation, and project and event coordination.

See author's posts