Nestled in the northern foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, St. Andrew’s Abbey lies on the edge of the Mojave Desert at an altitude of 3,600 feet. Here the seasons are experienced in dramatic fashion.Summers are hot and dry with temperatures reaching into the 100s; winter days are generally sunny, while nighttime temperatures often dip well below freezing.Spring offers glorious blooming trees and flowers; autumn, spectacular color changes.Visitors will find a special beauty in the high desert in each and every season.
St. Andrew’s Abbey is a Roman Catholic Benedictine Monastery.Named for its motherhouse in Brugge, Belgium, it was established in 1955 by several missionary monks who had been expelled from China. The founding members bought the Hidden Springs Ranch in Valyermo, California and transformed it into a spiritual oasis that has served Southern California and beyond for over fifty years.Today St. Andrew’s is home to 20 monks.
With a special emphasis on hospitality, the monastic community welcomes people of all faiths to enjoy the peace, silence, and rhythm of the life of the monks who follow the Rule of St. Benedict.You are invited to join the monks for the singing of the Divine Office and daily celebration of the Eucharist.Spiritual counseling and direction and the Sacrament of Reconciliation are available upon request.You are also welcome to visit Abbey Books and Gifts and on weekdays the ceramics factory, or simply walk or sit and enjoy the beautiful grounds.
The Retreat Center provides accommodations for overnight guests participating in both directed and private retreats.The facilities include 17 rooms, each with twin beds and a private bath. Linens, towels, and soap are provided. The rooms are heated and cooled.Meals are served home-style and shared with the monks.
The Youth Center has served as a place of retreat, prayer, and inspiration in the high desert since 1966.Here young people experience the difference peace and quiet can make in their lives.There are acres of trails for hiking and for moderate athletic experiences.Dorm-style sleeping quarters are available for students and separate accommodations for adult leaders.
The Welcome Center opened in spring 2008.This beautiful new facility houses the Conference Center, which can accommodate day groups of up to 60 persons and Abbey Books and Gifts, which, in addition to an excellent selection of books and religious articles, now sells our signature ceramic saints and angels.The Arts and Crafts building continues to serve as the ceramics factory where seconds are available weekdays.
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September Retreats
VISIONS OF GOD AND OURSELVES IN SACRED ART-EAST & WEST
Friday, September 3 – Sunday, September 5
In this workshop three themes will be studied from the perspectives of Christian art and iconography. First is the image of God: we will note how the Blessed Trinity has been depicted throughout the ages, with special reference to Andre Rublev's famous Russian icon. Second is the Transfiguration of Christ, an image particularly dear to the Eastern hesychastic (“Jesus Prayer”) tradition, but also revered and commented upon in the monastic West. Finally we will look at depictions of Christian “theosis”: divinization or sanctification, often symbolized by the famous eastern icon of the “Anastasis” (resurrection) and in Western depictions of the “Harrowing of Hell”. While we will particularly emphasize the graphic arts, we will also note literary efforts to describe these great themes in Christian contemplative spirituality.
Presenter:Fr. Luke Dysinger, OSB Room, board, and tuition: $260 single; $170 shared
MEDIEVAL MONASTIC SPIRITUALITY
Friday, September 24 – Sunday, September 26
This retreat will examine the writings of several prominent spiritual writers of the Middle Ages, including Anselm of Canterbury, Guigo II the Carthusian and Julian of Norwich. As well, space will be given to two significant Byzantine authors: Peter of Damascus and Gregory Palamas. The monastic context of each author will also be discussed."
Presenter: Dr. Greg Peters, Obl.OSBRoom, board, and tuition: $260 single; $170 shared
*Dr. Greg Peters is an oblate of St. Andrew's abbey, an Anglican priest and professor in the Torrey Honors Institute of Biola University. He has recently completed a book on Protestant theologies of monasticism for Cascade Books' 'New Monastic Library.'
UBI CARITAS:Spirituality and Relationships Series
We may all wish to live in charity and love, but it is not always easy, especially in our relationships with those closest to us.In this series of Saturday workshops, participants will explore the challenges of relationships and spirituality as we search for self and God.There are a total of 6 workshops on diverse topics in this series.
Cost:$38 per person; $100 for 3 family members Pre-pay for any 3 in this series at $100 per person
GOD, SCIENCE, AND THE BRAIN: Part 1 of 2
Saturday, September 25 Presenters:Dr. Victoria Dendinger, Ph.D,Obl.OSB
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.Dr. Hermann Frieboes, Ph.D
Dr. Laura Frieboes, Ph.D
Part one of this workshop will include insight on the first three chapters of the Book of Genesis including the need for human beings to be in relationship with others, recent teachings of the Church on evolution, the Big Bang theory, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life, and changes in the brain during meditative practice. As well as offering information on the relationship between the Catholic Church and science, it will provide participants the opportunity to understand how a prayer and meditative practice can help to develop healthy and growth-filled relationships with self and others, based on such virtues as unconditional love, patience, acceptance, and forgiveness.
*Dr. Victoria Dendinger is an oblate of St. Andrew’s Abbey, the director of adult faith formation at her parish of Our Lady Queen of Angels in Newport Beach and a licensed psychologist.
*Dr. Hermann Frieboes is a cancer researcher at UC Irvine.
*Dr. Laura Frieboes isa medical engineering researcher at UC Irvine.
September Retreats