Abbey of the Genesee

The Abbey of the Genesee is a community of contemplative monks belonging to the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, commonly known as the Trappists. Founded on May 26, 1951, the abbey was established by monks from the Abbey of Gethsemani in Bardstown, Kentucky.

The monastery spans 570 acres along the Genesee River in Piffard. Monastic life at Genesee follows the Rule of St. Benedict, consisting of a balanced daily round of prayer, lectio divina (sacred reading), and manual labor in an atmosphere of simplicity, silence, and fraternal support.

The abbey is perhaps best known for Monks' Bread, which the monks have been baking since 1953. Brother Sylvester, a former US Navy cook who had baked for his shipmates, continued the tradition at Genesee. What started in the monastery kitchen grew into a state-of-the-art bakery as demand spread from local parishes to stores throughout the region. In 2015, a specialty bakery was added featuring biscotti, cheese crisps, and fruit bars.

The abbey gained international attention when spiritual writer Henri Nouwen spent time here on retreat. His diary, published in 1976 as "The Genesee Diary: Report from a Trappist Monastery," is considered a fundamental work on Trappist spirituality. Today, the abbey welcomes men and women of all denominations for silent, monastic-style retreats.