Event Details
Online Lenten Journey this spring – An Invitation for a Franciscan Contemplative Festival of Calm
Zoom Online on Tuesday evening series from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Here are the dates: March 4; March 11; March 18; March 25; April 1; April 8.
Cost: $65 per person.
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
A Contemplative Lenten Experience
This presentation invites you on a journey of deep reflection and spiritual renewal, exploring the contemplative dimensions of Lent within the Franciscan tradition. We will delve into six key themes, drawing inspiration from the lives and writings of Franciscan mystics, illuminating the path to a more profound understanding of faith and transformation.
March 4th:
Compassion – Darleen Pryds (FST and Franciscan Media)
The Franciscan spirit is rooted in compassion, a deep understanding and shared experience of the suffering of others and ourselves. St. Francis, known for his love of all creation, embraced the suffering of the marginalized and the sick. His example and that of many lay practitioners, such as Lady Jacoba, call us to step outside of ourselves and cultivate empathy for those in need, recognizing the shared humanity that connects us all.
March 11th:
Lent is a season of turning inward, a time to pause and reflect on our lives and our relationship with God. Franciscan mystics like St.
Francis of Assisi and St. Clare of Assisi emphasized the importance of solitude and quiet contemplation as pathways to deeper connection with the divine. They understood that true conversion begins with a profound encounter with the truth of our hearts.
March 18th:
The Franciscan tradition emphasizes the boundless love and mercy of God, reflected in the life of Christ. This calls us to extend forgiveness to ourselves and others, recognizing that we are all flawed and in need of grace. St. Bonaventure, in his writings, encourages us to embrace humility and compassion, acknowledging our own need for forgiveness as a way to open our hearts to the healing power of God’s love.
March 25th:
Metanoia, a Greek word for “change of mind,” lies at the heart of the Lenten journey. It signifies a profound shift in perspective and a turning away from self-centeredness and toward a life of authentic love and service. Franciscan mystics understood that this transformation is not just a superficial change but a radical shift in our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.
April 1st:
The Franciscan tradition emphasizes the “penance of the heart,” a deeper form of repentance that transcends outward acts of self-denial. This involves a transformation of the inner life, a turning away from sin and embracing a life of love and service. St. Clare, through her example of poverty and humility, demonstrated the power of inner transformation that leads to a life of genuine compassion and service.
April 8th:
Lent is a time of reconciliation, a process of mending broken relationships both with ourselves and with others. The Franciscan mystics emphasized the transformative power of confession and repentance, seeking to heal wounds and restore wholeness. John Duns Scotus, a Franciscan philosopher, emphasized the importance of seeking forgiveness and restoring harmony within the community of faith.
THE SPEAKERS:
Darleen Pryds, Ph.D., has written widely on the lay Franciscan tradition. She is a professor of history and spirituality at the Franciscan School of Theology and works part-time as the Acquisition Editor at Franciscan Media. In her spare time, she volunteers as a caregiver in hospice and enjoys hiking.
Charlie Brown, has been blessed to visit Assisi, 13 times as pilgrim or pilgrimage leader. His 26 plus years as GM and Executive Director for the Franciscan Renewal Center has guided his professional and personal journey and affection for Saints Clare and Francis.
Margaret Riley, obtained a master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry from the Franciscan School of Theology, 2004. And became a certified Spiritual Director from the Mercy Center in Burlingame, 2008. She has been a full-time Pastoral Minister in the Diocese of Oakland since 1994. And is more than ecstatic to have joined the staff in ministering at San Damiano as Director of Programs and Outreach, and part time Spiritual Director. Thoroughly enjoys hiking, traveling, movie group, making cards from photos she has taken, and greatest joy is dotting over her 21 nieces and nephews – and 27 great nieces and nephews.
Kathleen Flanagan, is Chair/President of Franciscan Ministries. She has given retreats on contemplative prayer and spirituality for over 15 years. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and is currently learning how to play the piano.
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, retreat facilitator, photographer and motorcyclist.
Laura Chun, (Will be posted soon).
