Summer Silent Retreat Week 2026

A Week of Silence: A Contemplative Experience on the Mountain

Nestled in the serene surroundings of San Damiano Retreat, this exceptional week-long silent retreat brings together four distinguished spiritual guides for what truly may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This retreat has been thoughtfully designed for both experienced practitioners and those new to silent retreats who seek something deeper in their spiritual journey.

An Extraordinary Gathering of Spiritual Leaders

This retreat features an unprecedented collaboration of four remarkable spiritual guides:

Rev. Bill Sheehan, OMI – A master retreat director with over 30 years of experience in Centering Prayer, Fr. Bill has guided countless practitioners throughout the United States in this transformative prayer practice. As a founding member of Contemplative Outreach alongside Fr. Thomas Keating, he brings profound wisdom and gentle guidance to the practice of silent contemplation.

Jesse Manibusan – He is a speaker, singer, songwriter and storyteller. He is originally from Guam; a graduate of the Franciscan School of Theology, class of ’99, and resides in the bay area in northern California. Jesse is a longtime lay Catholic itinerant witness, sharing his stories of faith, cultivating compassion and hope through workshops, retreats, and concerts. Jesse is also a friend of Bill W. Jesse is published by Oregon Catholic Press with songs like OPEN MY EYES, ALL ARE WELCOME, HOLD ON TO LOVE, to name a few. For more information, you can reach Jesse at music@jessemanibusan.com

Dr. Michael Cunningham, OFS – As Executive Director of San Damiano Retreat and a commissioned presenter for Contemplative Outreach, Michael brings his experience as a certified Spiritual Director, writer, and photographer to guide participants through various contemplative practices including Visio Divina and nature-based meditation.

Ann Naffziger, M.Div., M.A. – With her extensive background in Biblical languages, parish ministry, and spiritual direction, Ann expertly guides retreatants through Imaginative Prayer and Lectio Divina practices, making ancient contemplative traditions accessible to modern seekers.

A Customizable Journey into Silence

This retreat offers multiple tracks, allowing you to create your own contemplative experience:

• Centering Prayer sessions led by Fr. Bill Sheehan
• Imaginative Prayer and Lectio Divina guided by Ann Naffziger
• Visio Divina and nature-based contemplation with Dr. Michael Cunningham
• Speaker, singer, songwriter and storyteller with Jesse Manibusan

Each day provides various options for group sessions, all held in silence, as well as opportunities for individual spiritual direction. The schedule also includes special experiences such as an Experiential Stations of the Cross, Cinema Divina, a Celtic harp concert, and meditations in the beautiful outdoor spaces of San Damiano.

A Rare Convergence of Wisdom Traditions

This retreat represents an extraordinary convergence of contemplative traditions rarely found in a single gathering. From the Centering Prayer practice championed by Thomas Keating to the ancient Celtic spiritual pathways, from scriptural prayer forms to nature-based contemplation – all are offered within the sacred container of communal silence.

Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to deepen your contemplative practice under the guidance of these four remarkable spiritual leaders. This unique combination of teachers and traditions is unlikely to be repeated, making this truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those seeking to deepen their spiritual journey.

Space is limited – register today to secure your place in this transformative summer week retreat.