Visit
13055 SE County Rd 4271Kerens, TX 75144Mass: Sunday 5:30 pm (Vietnamese Mass)
When to go
Mass times
- Sunday5:30 pm · Vietnamese Mass
- Sunday11:00 am · English Mass
- Monday6:15 am · English Mass
- Wednesday6:15 am · English Mass
About
Summary
Đan Viện Biển Đức Thiên Tâm is a Benedictine monastery located in Kerens, Texas, offering a serene environment for worship, retreats, and spiritual reflection. Founded in 2009, the community follows the Rule of Saint Benedict, emphasizing prayer and work. The monastery hosts daily liturgical services, including Mass in both Vietnamese and English, and is known for its annual Day of the Holy Eucharist. Learn more about the history.
Details
Nestled in the rural outskirts of Kerens, Texas, Đan Viện Biển Đức Thiên Tâm is a Benedictine monastery established in 2009 by monks originally from the Christ in the Desert monastery in New Mexico. The community follows the Rule of Saint Benedict, focusing on a balanced life of prayer and labor. The name 'Thiên Tâm' reflects the monks' commitment to aligning their hearts with the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The monastery offers a range of liturgical services throughout the day, including Mass in both Vietnamese and English. On Sundays, Mass is held at 5:30 PM (Vietnamese) and 11:00 AM (English). Weekday Masses are also available in English on Mondays and Wednesdays. View the full schedule.
The monastery is a popular destination for spiritual retreats and the annual Day of the Holy Eucharist, which includes processions, Mass, and communal prayer. The monks welcome visitors to participate in daily prayers and services, and the site includes facilities for overnight stays for retreatants. More about retreats and events.
The community is supported by local volunteers and donations from the Catholic community, particularly Vietnamese Catholics in Texas. The monks are known for their hospitality and welcoming spirit, as noted by many visitors in reviews. Read more about the community.
From Faith Near Me
Benedictine Monastery of Thien Tam in Kerens, TX, offers a peaceful retreat rooted in the Rule of Saint Benedict, blending prayer and purposeful work. The community’s multilingual Masses and annual Day of the Holy Eucharist reflect its commitment to spiritual inclusivity and tradition. Visitors may appreciate the serene garden and chapel settings, ideal for reflection and connection with faith.
Pros
- Emphasizes a balanced spiritual life through prayer and labor as outlined in the Rule of Saint Benedict
- Offers Mass in Vietnamese, English, and Latin to accommodate diverse worshippers
- Hosts annual Day of the Holy Eucharist with processions and communal prayer
- Provides retreat accommodations and outdoor spaces like gardens and Stations of the Cross
- Welcomes volunteers and donations to support its growing community
Cons
- Service times listed online may not always reflect current schedules
- Rural location may require more travel effort for some visitors
- Wi-Fi signal strength appears limited in certain areas of the property
Reviews from around the web
Public comments we collected from listing sources. Not written on Faith Near Me.
- Khoi Nguyen8 years ago
What a wonderful and blessed place for a retreat and a get-away from a busy life!! The weather here in the first week of June is wonderful and surprisingly cooler than some of the places I had been in Texas during this time of the year. The priests and monks here are very welcoming and kind to all people. A very beautiful place indeed. Thanks be to God for the Benedictine monks.
- Timothy Donahue10 months ago
Decent place for Mass and spiritual Retreats. Catholics must remember that they must go to confession and have the intention to change their sinful lifestyle in order to receive the body and blood of Christ. One doesn’t benefit from receiving the body and blood of Christ unworthily, and they endanger their immortal soul of hell. Spiritual food for thought! 😇🕍🙏📿🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
- Daena Martinez9 years ago
It was awesome. My daughter had her retreat there September 18-19, 2016. The Priests were wonderful and Holy. The mass was in Latin . Not only do I attended daily Mass , I watch it on EWTN . If you ever watch it on EWTN it's also in Latin. So it was wonderful. Our parish does the English Mass. I would love to learn how to say it in Latin . God Bless You All.
- Benjamin Nguyena year ago
We love to come here for big retreat every year in June! Save the dates June 12th to June 15th 2025
- John Ainsworth3 years ago
The monks are wonderful! It is a beautiful place to worship. Either in church or in the garden or walking the stations, it couldn't be more peaceful.
- Nishkid6412 years ago
Please set up Wi-Fi at this property. The signal is very weak out there.
- Long La month ago
Spirituality enlightenment
- Jason Smith5 years ago
Doesn't appear that the website information is current as there wasn't a 11am service on Sunday as was indicated
- An John Nguyen2 years ago
I Love this Place i so Fun
- Duc thuan loi To9 years ago
nice place for get away from the city
- Thu Dang2 years ago
Welcome back.
- Les Le8 years ago
PLEASE DO NOT HIT LIKE. This Community of Benedictine just established a few years within Texas. Most are Vietnamese monks. Needs lots of support and volunteers, if anyone is available. Especially those who seek God and want to be part of the brothers/monks of Benedictine Community, come to see the brother (Fr. Dominic Hanh Nguyen, OSB). I am not with anyone or Benedictine societies because my work the world is not yet known. However, I am with everyone and organizations in the Name of Christ, if you live Truly to His Word and outwardly His Will. For I am none in this world and less than you ... I loved this place like many others spiritual place I retreat myself away from the world and during my passion seeking for the TRUTH. Thank you all my brothers at this Benedictine Monastery of Thien Tam. Hope to see you all grow within His Glorious Hope to come, the Bonded of FAITH with LOVE in His Name. Don't call my name when it's a dream Like leaves falling back to their roots in late autumn The dust of life falls like invisible dewdrops The yearning for the spring scenery, the realm of self-reflection My heart aches, my emotions are confused, my thoughts are muddled The cicadas' mournful cries in the deep forest A person walks far away in the cold wind's shadow The imprint of the heart gives birth to a tiger and bear The mortal world trembles, bowing, but the Dragon does not recognize it Awakening from sorrow, a nightmare destroys the soul, cultivating the sect The Sword of Love, pure as water, born from the heart Establishing the ancient temple of destiny by serving Heaven Returning to the mortal world, the dream of fame and fortune establishes oneself The small silk sash woven from the heart The White Heavenly Fragrance robe warms the Love Dragon Son The Love Dragon Son's petition for tax exemption, brothers and sisters perish The riches of worldly love, wealth, and fame are immense Returning to the mortal world, the karmic connections of future generations Together with the name of the ancient silkworm, the Heavenly King The black dust of life is filtered and reborn Transforming into pure white water, the Love Heavenly King Raising a cup of Love Heaven wine, bestowed upon a friend Destiny In the name of the Heavenly King on the pure earthly realm To return to the ancient Heavenly Court. ------- Dedicated to the poor bishop Joseph Maria Phan Thế Hinh ----
- Kim Dao9 years ago
A tranquil retreat for those seeking serenity and peace.
Services and facilities
Services
- Spiritual Retreats
- Day Of The Holy Eucharist
- Mass In Vietnamese And English
- Mass In Latin
- Volunteer Opportunities
Facilities
- Chapel
- Garden
- Stations Of The Cross
- Retreat Accommodations
- Public Restrooms
- Common Kitchen
- Wi-Fi
Events and programs
Day of the Holy Eucharist
Yearly
Annual event featuring processions, Mass, and communal prayer.
Connect
- Contact page
- Open contact page