Saint Andrew’s Abbey

    In the Benedictine tradition the Sacred Scriptures have always been at the center.  In the whole of the Bible, and especially while chanting the Book of Psalms, Benedictines daily encounter Jesus Christ in prayer.  In this workshop we will consider the history and modern use of the ancient Christian practices of lectio divina (praying the […]

       In the early Church, and especially in the Christian monastic tradition, the result of deepening relationship with Christ was often described as “blessedness” (sometimes translated as “happiness”) or even “divinization.”  In modern psychology and spirituality the term “flourishing” is often preferred.  In this workshop we will reflect on our personal salvation history […]

  The Rule of Saint Benedict asks us to go inward and to cultivate a gentle pace and slow rhythm, listening not to external sounds but to God’s presence with “the ear of our hearts.” In many ways, this is at odds with the understanding of progress that shapes American culture, and indeed the Western […]

This retreat will be inspired by many writers’ reflections on spirituality for the “second half” of life, writers including Sister Joan Chittister (The Gift of Years) and Parker Palmer (On the Brink of Everything). Creative living within the season of wisdom, greater and ongoing maturation, and positive transformation of the inner life will be some […]

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.   Presenter: GREGORY MICHAEL HERNANDEZ […]

St. Benedict begins the prologue to his rule with the admonition, "Open the ear of your heart".  At this moment in our journey together as Church, we are called more than ever to listen deeply to the Spirit - the quiet whisper of our God speaking within our hearts.  The centerpiece for this retreat will […]

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.   *If the event is listed as sold out, please call us at 661-944-2178 for real-time availability and a waiting list.

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    *If the event is listed as sold out, please call us at 661-944-2178 for real-time availability and […]

El libro el Cantar de los Cantares en su capítulo 2 dice "Mi Amado es para mí, y yo para mi Amado". El retiro está basado en esta premisa de que somos el uno para el otro unidos en solo corazón. El matrimonio es una alianza y no un acuerdo social. Es el lugar donde […]

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.   *If the event is listed as sold out, please call us at 661-944-2178 for real-time availability and a […]

In this workshop, we will invite Saint John Henry Cardinal Newman, the most recent Doctor of the Church, to be our guide for the coming year.  We will reflect together on his spiritual journey and his understanding of Christian theosis as the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and our union with Jesus Christ.  Internet links […]