Kindling "the Spirit of Holy Prayer and Devotion" The Prayers of St. Francis and Our Journey into God
Time
Location
San Damiano Retreat Center
710 Highland Dr, Danville, CA 94526
925-837-9141 info@sandamiano.org
Event Details
Discover the Heart of Franciscan Prayer What if the path to deeper prayer wasn’t found in another book about
Event Details

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