Saint Catherine of Sinai Monastery - Sonora (CA)

5 /5 Darija V: Saint Catherines monastery is a gift from God—not only to the Orthodox faithful, but to everyone in this area who longs for stillness, prayer, and spiritual refreshment. Weekly gatherings with the women and children from our Orthodox fellowship is truly special. Mother Catherine and everyone there welcome us with such warmth, creating a peaceful space for prayer and connection. It’s a rare blessing to share this time together, where faith and fellowship are nurtured in such a holy atmosphere. It’s a place that strengthens our hearts and draws us closer to Christ. We are truly blessed to have this monastery in our lives.

5 /5 Warren White: I am so grateful to play a small part in the building improvements of Saint Katherines Monastery. With the blessing of Father John, the priest who serves at The Joy Of All Who Sorrow in Marina Del Rey, Mother Katherine has invited my 11 year old daughter Isabelle and myself there now going on our third visit. Mother Katherine leads early morning and early evening prayer services and encourages others to participate which is such a blessing. It’s difficult at times standing there doing our best to focus while others are praying. But when we are invited to pray aloud as well, it adds to the experience and for me it becomes more heart felt. Mother Katherine has a kind smile and a big heart. It does not matter if Mother Katherine is talking with a vip or perhaps a very simple visitor, she has a gift of making everyone feel special and important. I believe God is using Mother Katherine who works tirelessly to improve the monastery itself as well as the women and sometimes men who come there to help, pray, rest or need to unburden themselves with the cares and worries in their lives. I have always left being blessed by being around the other visitors and people who stay there. They have all in their own way made it a special place for Isabelle and myself to visit. The surroundings are beautiful. The clean air, grassy hills ,streams and now an amazing chapel.

5 /5 Paulina Joelle: I have lived at the monastery for 9 months and can only say how blessed I am to be here under mother Catherine’s guidance. I feel she has saved my life and helped many others. This is just the beginning of the monastery and already so much of the community has benefited from the monastery! One of my favorite activities every week is a group of women and their children come to pray and do art projects. It’s such a joy living here and watching the monastery grow.

5 /5 Shannon Sharp: I have personally witnessed the most caring and loving acts and offers of generosity at this lovely and growing Monastery. Volunteers have been welcomed as the chapel is built and the garden is planted. I am grateful to visit regularly and each time I go, I am warmly greeted with hospitality and love. The prayers offered by the Abbess avail much through the power and grace of God and His Saints. I am so grateful to have such a blessed place in our foothills. As with any ministry, the challenges seem to come from the most unlikely sources and all have endured these challenges with grace and truth.