Saint Andrew’s Abbey

The notion of “divinization” has traditionally been associated with Eastern Christian spiritual theology, particularly the Byzantine understandings of the sacraments and spiritual progress.  In the light of the Incarnation of Christ at Christmas we will discover during this workshop how both the Rule of Benedict and the writings of Benedictine contemplative writers reflect this ancient […]

On the Solemnity of Christmas, we first contemplate the mystery of the Word becoming Flesh. The liturgical celebration at the Abbey starts with First Vespers on Christmas Eve and ends with Night Prayer on Christmas Day.

In the early sixth century the monk we have come to know as “Benedict” wrote a rule for monasteries that have been in continuous use for more than fifteen hundred years.  Part of the reason for the success of the Benedictine Rule is its author’s willingness to gently adapt and improve existing ascetical and spiritual practices in […]

           In the early monastic tradition, the term “contemplation” referred to the perception of God in both the glorious complexity of creation and silent rest without words or images. In this workshop, the monastic practices of lectio divina and psalmody will provide a link between these two poles of contemplation. Readings from early […]

  Refresh and renew yourselves through the depths of our human experience with uplifting sacred music, word, and dance. Val and Frank Jansen will join us & provide musical support for the workshop.   Presenter: JOHN WEST, Obl.OSB is an oblate of Saint Andrew’s Abbey and the founder of the Valyermo Dancers. A gifted dancer, choreographer, […]

En este retiro, veremos la antigua tradición monástica de la Lectio Divina como herramienta principal para el crecimiento en la vida espiritual, especialmente en lo que respecta a la oración contemplativa. También, estudiaremos algunas de las “herramientas de las buenas obras” del Capítulo 4 de la Regla de San Benito, además de contemplar algunas virtudes […]

God is love, but really, experiencing God’s love is sometimes difficult. Once mankind lived in perfect community with God, we were designed for this. His love and provision were real and tangible. But our fallen nature and ongoing rebellion has caused us to doubt God’s love for us. We struggle to accept His mercy, yet […]

During these days of silence at the monastery, the whole Church begins the sacred season of Lent. Short reflections will be offered daily, emphasizing the traditional Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. The desert silence and the monastery's liturgies will provide an atmosphere conducive to deep reflection. This is a wonderful opportunity to make […]

La Cuaresma es el tiempo litúrgico de conversión, que la Iglesia marca para prepararnos a la gran fiesta de la Pascua. Es tiempo para arrepentirnos de nuestros pecados y de cambiar algo dentro nosotros para ser mejores y poder vivir más cerca de Cristo. En la Cuaresma, Cristo nos invita a cambiar de vida. La […]

Serenity is a universal need, though often elusive in our fast-paced, tension-filled lives. While the world's demands create stress and chaos, serenity offers a path toward peace, grounding us in a state of calm that nurtures our deepest sense of well-being. Far more than the absence of conflict, serenity is a practice that leads us […]

This weekend is Palm Sunday. The Gospel account is that of Luke. Luke’s narration of the Passion of Christ is a rich source for our study. In our first session we’ll examine the crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus. During the second session we’ll discuss His Resurrection and the Emmaus Road account, culminating in the […]

The Sacred Triduum is the holiest time of the Church's liturgical cycle. You are invited to share the monastic experience of this sacred liturgy, beginning on Holy Thursday and concluding on Easter Sunday. (Since this time is rooted in silence and reflection, we ask that you plan to arrive in sufficient time to be settled […]