Welcome to San Damiano Retreat Hot Topics
Home: right column
SAVE THE DATE
Sunday, September 29 is our annual Fall Dinner and Auction fundraiser. Join us at 3:00 pm for a gathering of friends and supporters, old and new, as we enjoy the gardens, the auction items, and an awesome dinner.THE HILLS ARE ALIVE WITH SILENCE…
Ready to take some time away for peace and quiet? Sr. Ishpriya presents a Silent Contemplative retreat June 10 – 14. How about 8 consecutive days of silence? We offer silent contemplative retreats every summer! Fr. Dan Manger, OSB, Cam. presents the 5-Day Silent Contemplative July 28 – August 2 and following is Fr. Cyprian Consiglio, OSB, Cam. presenting a Silent Contemplative Retreat Aug. 2 – 4. Eight days of silence! Click on the dates for more information.SECOND ANNUAL TEA A BIG HIT!
All who attended our May 5th tea had a great time! As you can see by these photos, the tables were very lovely and the women enjoyed being with friends and family. One of our loyal volunteers, Carol Fernandez, celebrated her birthday at the tea. Here is a picture of her, her friends, and Fr. Ray. Keep your eye out for next year’s tea. We promise you will have a wonderful afternoon!
CALLING ALL PETS (AND OWNERS) FURRY & FEATHERED!
Saturday, October 5 is our annual Blessing of the Animals to honor the Feast of St. Francis. As you see by these pictures, it’s a lot of fun! 2:00 pm at the statue of St. Francis.
San Damiano is a sanctuary of transformation for people of different faiths and backgrounds. The peace and beauty of our gardens and spacious grounds offer a serene place where individuals, groups, and organizations, (both religious and non-religious), may reflect on new insights…new choices… new decisions.
WE OFFER…
- Inspiring retreats for spiritual growth
- A Center for meetings and conferences
- Private retreats and directed private retreats
- Spiritual Direction
- A peaceful environment of natural beauty to rest and renew
2013 THEME…
Delight in God’s Beauty
“The human soul is hungry for beauty; we seek it everywhere…When we experience the Beautiful, there is a sense of homecoming. We feel most alive in the presence of the Beautiful for it meets the needs of our soul.” From John O’Donohue’s book Beauty
One thing I ask from the Lord, this only I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and seek his temple. (Ps. 27:4)
As you enter San Damiano Retreat one of the first things that come to mind is “beauty.” We hear it all the time from our guests. So, it is only fitting that we choose a theme of “Beauty.” The above quote from John O’Donohue and Psalm 27 only serve to reinforce the need we have to experience beauty. Come, see for yourself the beauty of God’s creation at this “little piece of heaven.”
OUR MISSION…
… is to provide a peaceful environment of natural beauty where people of all faiths and backgrounds may seek spiritual renewal and growth. In the spirit of Sts. Francis and Clare and guided by the Franciscan traditions of joy, hospitality, compassion, peace and simplicity, we offer contemporary and challenging retreats and programs in response to the changing needs of God’s people.
DONATE TO SAN DAMIANO…
Friends enjoying the dinner they won at last year’s Fall Auction Fundraiser.
We depend and rely on your continued generosity and support for current operations, fundraising events and retreat events. Since 1961, the Franciscan Friars have welcomed to San Damiano those who thirst for a greater connection to God. Through innovative and relevant retreats and spiritual direction, individuals can discover Gospel answers to today’s challenging questions. San Damiano is truly a spiritual oasis. Capital Campaign/ Giving
VISITOR REFLECTIONS
“I especially liked the quiet, everything was so prayerful.”
“During the Reconciliation Service I felt that God was waiting for me and glad to see me.”
“San Damiano Friars and Staff are amazing people. I always feel the love and care every time I’m here.”
“I love all the sounds at San Damiano: the birds, frogs, crickets and waterfalls.”
“My prayer is that this earthly step to heaven will always be here for all to enjoy.”
“I liked that the retreatants were involved in the rituals and prayer times, not just observers.”
“The silence made this retreat especially helpful because I am surrounded by noise at home; nice to know we have a place for quiet and contemplation.”
GARDEN MEMORIAL
San Damiano has improved the garden and meditation areas with new benches donated by people who want to create a memorial of their loved ones with a bench and plaque. If you are interested in this type of memorial, contact Br. Mike Minton, OFM at 925-837-9141, ext. 308.
