Loneliness is a universal human experience.  Everyone feels it some of the time.  Too many experience it most of the time.  Noreena Hertz remarks that the twenty-first century, is the ‘loneliest century’ people throughout the world have ever known.  Loneliness is a much different human experience or feeling than aloneness or solitude, which can be […]

This retreat is open to artists at all levels including beginners. Photographers, sculptors, and writers are also welcome to come and experience the colors and beauty of the high desert in the setting of the monastery. Escape the stress of daily life while deepening a spiritual vision in your art. (A materials list will be […]

Come and spend a week of learning and fun in the monastery kitchen.  This year, be among the first to try out favorite recipes submitted by our monks!  No prior experience necessary, only a desire to serve one another as together we seek to nourish both body and soul. Presenter: Fr. Isaac Kalina, OSB

Join us as we reflect on the life and times of Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, a brilliant philosopher and poet, a mystic and searcher of the truth, and a Jew -- a daughter of Israel.  Her encounter with the cross in the life of a Christian friend sparked an inner transformation that led to […]

These days together will explore those elements of our spiritual and ministerial life that bring deep fulfillment and soul satisfaction: prayer, mindfulness, personal presence to others, joy in the celebration of the Eucharist and the Sacraments, and the remembering of all God's good gifts. Presenter: Fr. Francis Benedict, OSB

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin’s book The Human Phenomenon developed many of the fundamental scientific concepts of his evolutionary thinking. They provided the foundational ideas for his integration of evolution with Christian theology and spirituality. This retreat will explore connections between Teilhard’s evolutionary scientific ideas and his spirituality and theology. Presenter: Fr. Stephen Coffey, OSB Cam

The principal sources of contemplative prayer in the early Church were the Scriptures and the sacred liturgy, where the Scriptures are transformed into poetry and song.  In this workshop we will seek to rediscover in liturgical prayer our capacity to both delight in and to reverence the mystery of the God of Love.  Readings from […]

This non-directed retreat provides time to reflect on all God has given to us and to enjoy the festive celebration of Thanksgiving with the monastic community.

On this first weekend of Advent, we will offer a potpourri of monastic insights, enabling participants to experience the Advent season as a time rooted in scripture, history, art, music, and liturgy. Presenters: Monks of Valyermo

"Adviento significa venida." Es el tiempo en que los cristianos nos preparamos para la venida del Señor. Se dice que el Antiguo Testamento fue el gran tiempo de espera y después de esa espera de muchos siglos, Cristo se manifestó en toda su gloria dándonos la oportunidad de una nueva vida en el Espíritu. En […]

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.