Event Details
Retreat Beneath the Trees
Weekend Retreat
Indoors and outdoors
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
“He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:8)
This retreat on July 22nd, 23rd, and 24th aims to inspire us as we walk through the darkness and the stress of pandemic and war as well as difficult changing economic times.
Come to San Damiano and allow yourself to be nourished by the rich holy grounds filled with trees. Leading the retreat will be Dennis and Anne Yniguez, experienced consulting arborists, along with Jim our director.
This will be an exercise in raising consciousness to God’s presence in creation particularly the magnificent trees here on San Damiano’s holy ground. Come prepared to relax, reflect, be fed, rest in the grace of creation.
The Franciscan charism of praising God in creation and the Pope Francis inspired letter, “Laudato Si!” encourage us to reflect deeply on what God has done.
Sign up soon! Early bird registration/pricing ends on July 9. The fee includes room, board, and materials for the weekend.
About the Presenter(s)
Dennis & Anne Yniguez
Dennis and Anne are consulting arborists in Berkeley, California. Their practice includes tree health and risk assessment, forensic tree examinations, evaluation of tree-related casualty claims, and resolution of tree-related disputes. They bring prior life experience in law, social work, insurance administration, and art therapy. Together they have over fifty years of professional experience studying trees, working with trees, and many hours just getting to know trees from the ground and in their swaying canopies.
The study of trees is endlessly deep, fascinating, and inspiring. In many ways, they are like the best humans whose lives we admire for their selflessness, very often unrecognized and unheralded until they are gone.
Jim Greer is the Director of San Damiano Retreat. Prior to joining San Damiano, he has served as the Executive Director of three other retreat centers: one Passionist, one Jesuit, and one Divine Word Missionary. This is the first time that Jim has worked in California. He is trained in spirituality, religious education, pastoral counseling, and he is a certified addictions counselor. Jim has also been in recovery one day at a time for forty-five years and has led hundreds of 12-step retreats.
