A Benedictine Monastery
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 […]
This retreat is open to artists at all levels, including beginners. Photographers, sculptors, and writers are also welcome to experience the colors and beauty of the high desert in the monastery setting. Escape the stress of daily life while deepening a spiritual vision in your art. (A materials list will be provided.) Presenter: GREGORY […]
Fathers are becoming increasingly marginalized in our culture. Yet fathers are essential to their children and foundational to a stable home. A father allows his children to experience the world without fear, and they are called upon to cultivate courage. Our presenter is a mother to five adult children and a grandmother to eleven. She was raised […]
This retreat will provide a general overview of Saint Hildegard’s life. Still, it will focus especially on her music, particularly through studying her viriditas, or ‘greenness’ concept, and its influence on her music. In addition to listening to some of her music, there will be an opportunity to discuss liturgy and chant. Finally, we will form […]
Matthew 7:7