Saint Andrew’s Abbey

  The Benedictine monastic tradition offers a rich spectrum of Christian mystics and contemplative authors.  In this workshop the meanings of “mysticism” and “contemplation” will be explored through the lives and writings of Benedictine saints including: Pope Gregory the Great, Abbot Suger of Cluny, Hildegard of Bingen and Gertrude the Great, among others. Readings from […]

This non-directed retreat provides time to reflect on all God has given us and to enjoy the festive Thanksgiving celebration 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.   *If the event is listed as sold out, please call us at 661-944-2178 for real-time availability and a waiting list.

"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 […]

Another way to say Christ in all His glory is to say Christ in all His beauty. An experience of Christ through beauty awakens faith or fortifies it to a deeper surety. God allows us to see breathtaking beauty in nature. David Clayton proposes that “the aims for the supernatural transformation of the person are […]

The Song of Songs in chapter 2 says, "My Beloved is for me, and I for my Beloved." The retreat is based on the premise that we are for each other, united in a single heart. Marriage is a covenant and not a social agreement. It is the place where two hearts unite eternally to […]

  This retreat will examine what happens to us after we die, using the Scriptures and Tradition. We will use the book “The Soul After Death” by Fr Seraphim Rose as a springboard. There will be some discussion on the phenomenon of near-Death Experiences, including true Christian experiences of heaven during these, particularly in relation […]

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 […]

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 the Benedictine liturgical tradition of music and prayer our capacity to delight in and reverence the mystery of the God […]