Page 93 - San Angelo

Roughly 20 miles from the modest hustle and bustle of San Angelo, the Mount Carmel Hermitage in Christoval is home to fve men who have dedicated their lives to prayer and work. When traveling down Highway 277 towards the Hermitage, the 100-acre settlement adorned with statues and built with rock original to the Christoval soil would be the last thing you would think the rough West Texas landscape would harbor. However, as you crunch down the dusty, gravel road, the white statues representing the stations of Christ’s Passion stand illuminated against the blending neutrals of dry grass, bark, and soil. Then, the stoic walls and buildings emerge further down the road, housing the promise of devotion, tradition, and religious reverence.

Father Fabian, the Hermitage Abbot, explains, “We chose Christoval because we were looking for decent land. There were not many people. That was one of the reasons to come to this area. It was very appropriate for our kind of life.” The Hermitage is open to the public during designated hours as well as for daily Mass. Brother John David explains, “We are a community of monks, and people are welcome to visit. We live a simple life of work and prayer, and our main mission is to pray for people. All denominations are welcome. All people are always welcome.”

Roughly 20 miles from the modest hustle and bustle of San Angelo, the

Mount Carmel Hermitage in Christoval is home to five men who have dedicated their lives to prayer and work.