We are humbled and inspired by the way God has used San Damiano to touch lives. We welcome your stories and reflections of how this place has changed your life. Please send your reflections to loveletters@sandamiano.org.
“San Damiano
High up, yet accessible,
The little saint calls out:
“Peace and all good.”Nature? It is here.
Knowledge? It is here.
Prayer? It is here.
Silence? It is here.Sometimes, in this place,
God’s love
rests gentle in my soul.Sometimes, in this place,
God’s love
bursts forth into my souldripping
shining,
tremblingwith new birth.
All gratitude, San Damiano.”
San Damiano guest who wishes to remain anonymous
“Everything was ideal for our purposes. Beautiful weather…great
facilities and good food. We came away refreshed and excited about our ministry future.”
Steve Hunt
Calvary Temple Church
Concord, CA
“San Damiano – a little bit of heaven, maybe, far beyond the
hectic pace and the busy freeway. Flowered paths, open and caring
people, a labyrinth to the soul’s center.”
Shoshana Kobrin
Advisory Board Member, Retreat Director
“Presenting a retreat at San Damiano is a holy experience. God is
drawing us into a deeper relationship; it’s humbling and exhilarating
to be part of that process. I am enriched and grateful to those who
attend for their willingness to grow in God’s love.”
Nancy Burchett
Retreat Presenter
“A place of peace, knowledge, offering spirituality, hospitality, and
good food.”
Sr. Beverly Ann Flynn, CSJ
“A place where people retreat from the noise and the race for
things, to a place of simplicity, prayer, and peace; provides rich
diversity to all groups.”
Fr. Paulson Mundanmani
Pastor, St. Mary’s Church, Walnut Creek
“I’m comfortable and happy when I’m here. They make you feel
good and comfortable about yourself; wherever you are in your
spiritual journey is OK.”
Leslie Rushing
Retreatant
“It follows the way of St. Francis in respecting the beauty of the area
and providing spiritual fulfillment”
Francesca Dunbar
Advisory Board Member
“It’s Holy ground. Welcoming, inclusive, beautiful; the retreats cover
the whole range of the human condition.”
David Williams
Spritual Director
“…a Franciscan spirit of hospitality, incredible meals, Franciscan
priests who are easy to talk to, and modern facilities in a location of
breathtaking beauty.
Stephanie Modelo
Director of Campus Ministry, Carondelet High School
“The staff at San Damiano is above and beyond any expectations. We were so well cared for and the kitchen staff helped us in so many ways. To the kitchen staff – THANK YOU! You are the best. Kateri, your organizational skills are awesome. You help us with such graciousness and with kind spirit. Your warmth and hospitality are so appreciated and inspiring.”
“Paula D’Arcy never disappoints when there. God has so gifted her and she has been willing and able to share with us. I’m grateful for everyone at San Damiano for maintaining the connection with her and inviting her back. I look forward to the next time she is there. The presenter [Clare Ronzani] offered a variety of ways to enter into prayer – it has been the best retreat experience I have ever had.”
“Thank you for sharing your home and garden as a place for me to heal, grow, and enjoy the community.”
“The people who built the retreat center and continue its legacy are held in our hearts in a special way. Being on top of that hill and in the sanctuary of nature is just – well there is nothing like it. For all of this and so much more, I am truly graced and grateful. Can’t wait for God to reveal when I’m supposed to be there next. San Damiano impressed me deeply. It was like drinking from a well of beauty, abundance, peace, and great joy.”
“I experienced the mind, body, and Spirit connection in a new and exciting way. I thoroughly enjoyed the message given and the presenters’ expertise.”
“The presenters were well prepared. They gave an overview of the day and preface to each session and how the segments relate and build.”
“I came away from the weekend with a feeling of trust in the Spirit of God.”
“I appreciate the warm, comforting spirit of the staff.”
“The staff at San Damiano is above and beyond any expectations. We were so well cared for and the kitchen staff helped us in so many ways. To the kitchen staff – THANK YOU! You are the best. Kateri, your organizational skills are awesome. You help us with such graciousness and with kind spirit. Your warmth and hospitality are so appreciated and inspiring.”
“Paula D’Arcy never disappoints when there. God has so gifted her and she has been willing and able to share with us. I’m grateful for everyone at San Damiano for maintaining the connection with her and inviting her back. I look forward to the next time she is there. The presenter [Clare Ronzani] offered a variety of ways to enter into prayer – it has been the best retreat experience I have ever had.”
“Thank you for sharing your home and garden as a place for me to heal, grow, and enjoy the community.”
“ The people who built the retreat center and continue its legacy are held in our hearts in a special way. Being on top of that hill and in the sanctuary of nature is just – well there is nothing like it. For all of this and so much more, I am truly graced and grateful. Can’t wait for God to reveal when I’m supposed to be there next. San Damiano impressed me deeply. It was like drinking from a well of beauty, abundance, peace, and great joy.”