Nazareth Hermitage: Ava, Missouri

Nazareth Hermitage sits on the top of a long ridge overlooking deep, forested valleys in the Ozark Mountains of southern Missouri. The hermitage was established in 1976 with the permission of the local Catholic bishop. The two founding sisters made their vows in 1983. Each lives in her own hermitage, a small cement-block house dug into the side of the ridge. Nazareth Hermitage is modeled on the ancient "laura" concept. The name originates from fourth-century Palestine and describes a group of hermitages located around a central chapel.

Every day they meet in the community chapel for Mass. Once a week they gather for a common vegetarian meal, which they take turns cooking. Each hermit rises early, at 3 a.m. Each prays the liturgy of the hours alone. A Trappist priest, as spiritual father of the laura, meets with each hermit once a week for spiritual direction.

The laura supports itself by making and selling liturgical incense and charcoal.