Event Details
Kindling “the Spirit of Holy Prayer and Devotion” The Prayers of St. Francis and Our Journey into God
Franciscan Spirituality Weekend Retreat.
Check-in on Friday is from 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM and follow with dinner at 7:00 pm. The program will start at 8:00 PM in your meeting room FIRESIDE LOUNGE.
The retreat concludes with Mass at 11:00 am and follow with lunch at noon on Sunday and departure after lunch at least by 1:00 pm the latest.
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
Discover the Heart of Franciscan Prayer
What if the path to deeper prayer wasn’t found in another book about techniques, but in the authentic words of a saint who lived prayer so naturally that creation itself became his cathedral?
St. Francis of Assisi never wrote instruction manuals on how to pray. Instead, he lived prayer—finding God in liturgy and birdsong, in silence and service, in the “Book of Creation” that surrounded him daily. His legacy isn’t a method but a spirit: the profound integration of prayer with all of life.
This weekend retreat invites you to experience Francis’ approach to prayer through his own words and witness. We’ll explore the prayers he wrote, discovering how this revolutionary saint understood God’s presence in both sacred spaces and the natural world that so captivated him.
What You’ll Experience
Explore Authentic Franciscan Spirituality
- Journey through St. Francis’ own prayer texts to understand his unique approach to the spiritual life
- Discover how Francis integrated formal liturgy with creation-centered prayer
- Learn about the real Francis—beyond the popular image of the gentle friar with birds
Transform Your Prayer Life
- Experience prayer through Francis’ eyes, where all of creation becomes a doorway to God
- Practice contemplative approaches that honor both silence and service
- Discover how to kindle “the Spirit of holy prayer and devotion” in your own daily life
Connect with Community
- Share faith experiences with fellow seekers in a supportive retreat environment
- Engage in guided conversations that deepen understanding
- Build lasting connections rooted in Franciscan values
Weekend Schedule
Friday, September 19
- Check-in begins at 3:00 PM
- Dinner and opening session at 7:00 PM
Saturday, September 20
- Full day of conferences, prayer experiences, and faith-sharing
- Meals and contemplative time included
- Individual Spiritual Direction
Sunday, September 21
- Morning session and closing conference
- Mass
- Retreat concludes with lunch at 12:00 pm
Take the Next Step
Join us for a weekend that promises to kindle something new in your spiritual journey. Whether you’re new to Franciscan spirituality or seeking to deepen your connection, this retreat offers authentic insights from one of Christianity’s most beloved saints—and the opportunity to discover how his approach to prayer can transform your own relationship with God.
Registration includes all meals, programming, and retreat materials.
“In whatever way it seems better to you to please the Lord God and to follow His footprint and poverty, do it with the blessing of the Lord God.” —St. Francis to Brother Leo
About the Presenter(s)
Fr. William Beaudin, O.F.M.
Fr. William brings nearly five decades of Franciscan life and 44 years of priestly ministry to this exploration of prayer. With advanced degrees in theology and music, and a B.A. in English literature, Fr. Bill has served in retreat work, teaching, Franciscan formation, and provincial leadership.
“What never ceases to amaze me about the authentic prayers of St. Francis is how thoroughly imbued they are with the scriptures, the Church’s liturgy, a profound sense of wonder and awe, and a deep-seated gratitude for all that God has done and continues to do for us. Francis could not thank God enough, and his words practically trip over each other in his efforts to praise the One who loves all things into being and who humbled himself to become one of us in Christ. Among their many lessons, Francis’ prayers have taught me that there is nothing quite as self-contradictory as an ungrateful Franciscan!” – Fr. Bill
Currently associate pastor and guardian at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Parish in Hartford, CT, Fr. Bill previously directed the Franciscan Life Experience program, guiding many individuals into the depths of Franciscan spirituality.
