Event Details
Advent Prayer Evening Series – “Belonging During Advent … for ourselves, others and God”
Thursday Evening Advent Series with check in between 6:45 pm to 7:00 pm and the Prayer Service will start in the Chapel at 7:00 pm and end at 8:15 pm.
Note: Very important to register so we know how many people are coming.
About the Event
In these divided times when so many feel paralyzed by fear and darkness, San Damiano invites you to discover the healing power of cherished belonging. Through three contemplative evening sessions, we’ll explore how the Incarnation reveals our deepest identity—as beloved spiritual beings created in God’s image—and how this transforms our relationships with ourselves, one another, and God. Drawing on the Franciscan tradition’s wisdom, we’ll move together from isolation to communion, from darkness to light, using prayer, silence, music, and reflection to experience God’s cherishing love that gives us meaning, identity, and freedom. Join us at this Oasis of Peace as we prepare our hearts to welcome the Christ child and rediscover the hope and courage we need for these times.
About the Presenter(s)
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 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, photographer and motorcyclist. Michael is a Retreat Master and Spiritual Director.
Margaret Riley has been a Spiritual Director since 2008, when she became certified via the Mercy Center in Burlingame, CA. Her Spiritual roots are Christian in the Roman Catholic Church, but in her practice as a Spiritual Director and retreat presenter, she enjoys companioning spiritual seekers from any tradition (or no tradition).
Margaret obtained a Master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry from the Franciscan School of Theology, Berkeley, CA. (FST/GTU) in 2004. She has joyfully lived in the Bay Area for over 31 years and has been a full-time Minister in the Diocese of Oakland since 1994. Margaret’s study, understanding and experience of spirituality is born of a great variety of sources, including but not limited to the Ignatian tradition, Social Justice work, Addiction Recovery and 12-Step spirituality, Codependency recovery, Divorced/Widowed healing,
Grief and Loss, Incarceration/Justice work, Mindfulness/Meditation, and Franciscan Spirituality.
Fr. Henry, a member of the Franciscan Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe, has served in parish ministry, campus ministry, Justice and Peace ministry, the Jamaica missions, formation ministry, and most recently in retreat ministry at two Franciscan retreat centers.
In his work at the retreat centers, he has coordinated various kinds of retreats and shaped retreats around Franciscan spirituality themes and topics regarding spiritual life and the search for meaning in our lives.
Fr. Henry now serves part-time here at San Damiano Retreat Center, Danville, CA.