Inspired by the wisdom and vision of Father Bede Griffiths, Osage Forest of Peace was founded as a monastic ashram in 1979 by Sr. Pascaline Coff and the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. Today the Forest of Peace continues to embody its original vision:
• by drinking from the wellsprings of the great spiritual traditions;
• through contemplative silence, a simple life-style and communal living;
• by offering hospitality to all who seek to deepen their spiritual practice.

Osage Forest of Peace does this by creating an environment for contemplative retreats, daily prayer and meditation. We also offer programs focusing on personal, socio-ecological and global healing – all within a context of ecumenical spirituality, East-West dialogue and interfaith encounters.

Osage Forest of Peace features 40+ acres of woods. It is very quiet and peaceful, with deer roaming around the grounds.
Accommodations are single-person cabins, much like a motel room in the woods. Smoking is prohibited, as are visiting pets.

The main house is a large community-oriented building containing a library and gathering space, a kitchen, dining hall and chapel. There are also several hiking trails through the surrounding forest.

Dining
Meals are generally taken together in the main house; however, if you are staying with us as a “silent guest,” you are more than welcome to take a tray to your cabin, rather than eat at the dining table.

Delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals will be available. They are prepared (in large part) by our cook, Mary.

If you have special food needs, please let us know ahead of time so we can be prepared with dishes that are acceptable to your diet.

Services:

Spiritual Direction:
Spiritual Direction is available to all those who come to the Forest of Peace. A spiritual director meets you in that still place within and helps discern the movement of the Spirit in your life. By listening to your spiritual journey, the director provides insight and support as you seek to foster awareness of the Sacred in all things. You can talk about any aspect of your life, but the focus is on how Spirit is guiding you.

Directed Retreats:
During a directed retreat, a retreatant meets daily, or at least every few days, with a spiritual director. Through active listening, the spiritual director helps retreatants hear how the Spirit is moving in their life. The director offers suggestions for prayer, meditation, reflection and creative expression. Directed retreats are ordinarily silent times.
Private Retreats:
During a private retreat, retreatants structure their own prayer/meditation time and select for themselves how best to be present to the Sacred. Retreatants often take time to be alone and read, journal, sit in silence or walk in the woods. Individuals on private retreat are free to join the community in their daily contemplative practice or to spend their time in solitude.

Contemplative Residencies:
We offer one-month residential immersions in contemplative living within a community setting. The month begins with an introduction to contemplative practices from diverse traditions and culminates in a 3-day silent retreat. The daily schedule includes periods of sitting meditation and contemplative prayer, work practice as well as time for solitude and leisure. Temporary residents enter into the rhythm of daily contemplative practice while receiving support and guidance from the Forest’s resident spiritual directors.
Upcoming Residencies: October 2 – 30 & November 6 – December 4
Suggested donation: $1500 a month (Partial work exchange possible)

Sabbaticals:
Sabbaticals are offered for spiritual seekers, women/men religious, ministers and writers. Take a month or longer to nurture the unfolding of your soul with ample time for solitude, study, relaxation, spiritual guidance, seminars and daily contemplative practice. With our focus on meditation, mysticism and the contemplative life, the Osage Forest of Peace is a perfect place deep spiritual renewal and growth.
Reiki & Massage:
Both Reiki and Massage are available for those who seek to foster the connection between mind, body and spirit. Tap into a greater sense of relaxation, wellness and wholeness by experiencing one of these gentle therapies

“God had brought me to my knees and made me acknowledge my own nothingness, and out of that knowledge I had been reborn. I was no longer the centre of my life and therefore I could see God in everything.”
~ Father Bede Griffiths

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