By Rita Howell

Magnolia Grove Monastery will host an open house Saturday 5-8 p.m., giving members of the community the opportunity to visit with the monastic brothers and sisters, view new facilities at the monastery, and enjoy games and Vietnamese cuisine.

The monastery is located at 123 Towles Road in the Red Hill community west of Batesville. Known as the Magnolia Grove Mindfulness Practice Center, the monastery is operated by Vietnamese Buddhists following the traditions of zen master Thich Nhat Hanh. It is one of three such facilities in the U.S.

The hosts request that anyone planning to attend call the monastery office at 563-0956 to RSVP, so they will be prepared.