Event Details
Silent Retreat: Following the Footprints of Contemplative Practice
Join us for a once-in-lifetime silent retreat at the Oasis of Peace, San
Damiano, in beautiful Danville, California.
Check-in after Sunday, June 29, 2025, 5:00 PM. Dinner is served at
6:00 PM. The retreat concludes with lunch at noon on Friday, July 4, 2025.
Cancellation policy
Overnight or Multi-day/weekend retreats: $50 fee. Day Retreat: $20. Fees may be applied to future retreats. The fees may be waived in event of extenuating circumstances. Contact Kateri at 925-837-9141 x315.
About the Event
Sacred Silence: A Six-Day Journey into Contemplative Prayer
A rare gathering of contemplative masters offering a transformative silent retreat experience
Nestled in the serene surroundings of San Damiano Retreat, this exceptional six-day 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.
Áine Minogue – This award-winning Irish harpist and composer brings her exceptional musical gifts to create sacred space through Celtic melodies. Born in County Tipperary, Áine’s contemplative music has topped Billboard charts and her deep understanding of Celtic spirituality offers retreatants a unique pathway into silence through ancient wisdom traditions.
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
- Celtic Mysticism and contemplative music experiences with Áine Minogue
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 six-day silent retreat.
About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Michael Cunningham, OFS
Dr. Michael Cunningham, OFS, completed his MA in Ministry at St. John’s Seminary in Brighton, MA, and his Doctorate in Ministry at Catholic University of American, in Washington, DC. He is the Executive Director of San Damiano Retreat in Danville, CA. Michael is married with four children and eleven grandchildren and is an avid writer, retreat facilitator, photographer and motorcyclist. He is a commissioned presenter for Contemplative Outreach and a certified Spiritual Director.
I have a Master of Divinity from the Jesuit School of Theology and a Masters in Biblical Languages from the Graduate Theological Union, both in Berkeley, California. I have worked as a hospital chaplain and in parish ministry, taught scripture classes, and led the RCIA program. I was a field education supervisor for MDiv students at the Jesuit School for four years. Currently, my husband and I run The Pastoral Center, a small pastoral publishing nonprofit based in Alameda, California. We have two school-age daughters. In my free time, I like to grow food and teach others to grow food, bicycle, cook and bake, coach softball, and make meaningful connections in our neighborhood.
