The Monastery of Mount Saviour is a community of monks striving to live a simple, genuine and full monastic life according to the Scriptures and the Rule of St. Benedict.  As members of an autonomous monastery of Pontifical rite within the Benedictine confederation, we seek to remain faithful to our authentic tradition continually revitalized by the Holy Spirit. Fr. Damasus Winzen and three companions came to a wooded hill outside Elmira NY, which they name Mount Saviour in honor of our Saviour's Transfiguration. In 1951, the life was hard and lacked many of the comforts that people take for granted. The new monastery was not to be divided into 'choir monks' and 'lay brothers' as has been the custom in recent centuries. The monks share equal opportunities and equal burdens of work, study and prayer. The monks utilize 250 acres of the land for raising sheep and producing market lambs, yarn and pelt products while many other acres serve as a woodlot. There is also a book and gift shop.

Members of other faiths come to share the peace and quiet and to pray with the monks. Concern that the door is open to those who wish to attend St.Benedict's 'school of the Lord's service' has largely determined the physical development of the hilltop. The chapel is an octagon with the altar placed in the middle. In the center of the crypt, stands a 14th century statue of Our Lady, Queen of Peace.

St. Joseph's Men's Guest House contains fifteen small private rooms.  (Mixed retreats groups can also use this facility).  Men guests take meals with the monks in the monastery.  St.Gertrude's Guest House for women and couples has two double rooms (twin beds), three single rooms and is a 15 minutes walk (up hill) from the chapel.  Women guests take meals at St.Gertrude's.  If reservations are made at St.Gertrude's for two women coming together, please assume you may share a room unless you have specifically requested single rooms.  There are three separate facilities equipped with private kitchens, open to men, women and married couples desiring a more private retreat: St.Peter's farm house, the West Casa, and the East Casa.  In these facilities, guests may bring and prepare their own meals if they wish to do so.

Since the guest house is not only a service, but also one of the major sources of our livelihood, we appreciate a donation that will cover our operating costs.  We suggest $55.00 per night per person.  We are grateful to those who can give more and welcome those whose means allow for less.  The generosity of our guests permits us to run the guest houses and we are grateful for your support.

We prefer that requests for hospitality be made by mail one month in advance.  Please address all inquiries to the Guest Brother.  For phone reservations, the best time to call is between 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 5:00 - 5:25 p.m. Monday through Friday.  The Fax (607) 734-1689 or an E-mail is a good way to get a message to the guest brother quickly!  Arrival time is between 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday.  No arrivals on Sunday nor Monday a.m. If cancellation is necessary, please inform the Guest Brother as soon as possible! If need be, messages and emergency calls (but not reservations) can be left  at St.Gertrude's (607) 733-1739 (unlisted number).

Informal clothing and sturdy seasonable footwear are in order.  Evenings and early mornings can be chilly even in summer; so sweaters and light jackets are helpful.  Also, our winters are cold and our springs are wet!  Linens and towels are provided.  Guests are asked to clean their rooms and make their beds before departure.

Out of sensitivity to other guests and those who will be following you, smoking is not permitted in the guest houses and other monastery buildings

BY PLANE - The Elmira/Corning Airport is about ten miles away.  Taxi service is available at the airport.

BY BUS - The same bus terminal in Elmira serves intercity and local buses.  A local bus marked "Golden Glow", stops at  Almost New Store (formerly Tolbert's) on Rte 225 four miles from the monastery.  If you are arriving before 5:00 p.m. you may make arrangements with the Guest Brother to be picked up at Hendy Creek Market.  It is best to call the monastery when you arrive at the bus station and inform us of the departure time of the next "Golden Glow" Bus, (runs every thirty minutes during business hours) so we can meet you at Hendy Creek Market.  Even though it's our mailing address, the bus marked "Pine City" does not go near the monastery!  If you arrive later than 5:00 p.m. and have not made arrangements to be picked up, please take a cab.

BY CAR - Route 17 is the main highway from both east and west.

FROM THE EAST: Take the Elmira exit, marked Rt. 352.  Follow signs to Church St. through the city to Rt. 225.  Turn left, continue four miles to Monastery Rd. on the right.

FROM THE WEST: Driving on 17 East, take exit #45 / Rt. 352, through Corning.  Cross the whole town, at the last traffic light, turn right on Rt. 225. (Be prepared to bear left just after you enter this road.)  There are two turns but they are well marked.  Continue on 225 until you come to Monastery Road on the left.

Coming from north or south, Rt. 14 crosses Church St. (Rt. 352) in Elmira.  Turn right on Church St. and continue to Rt. 225, turn left, continue to Monastery Road on the right.

         Guest Brother
     231 Monastery Rd.
Pine City, NY 14871-9787

(607) 734-1688  Fax (607) 734-1689

E-Mail to the guest brother: guest@msaviour.org
Or fill out our request form
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