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BENEDICTINE SPIRITUALITY
Monday, July 10- Friday, July 14, 2023
The Rule of Benedict emphasizes two forms of prayer, in particular: the Liturgy of the Hours [Opus Dei] and Lectio Divina. Benedict presupposes, without legislating, that monastics enter into silent prayer within these daily hours of communal and solitary prayer and reading. Monastic spirituality presupposes a reverence for and a practice of silence so as to be receptive to the Holy Spirit even in the hours of more active daily living, work, and interaction. The emphasis of this year’s Benedictine retreat will be prayer in its many forms and expressions. Of course, the foundation will be in the Opus Dei and Lectio Divina. There will also be presentations and experiential practice on such things as Centering Prayer, the Jesus Prayer, the Welcoming Prayer, and the Rosary, inviting the participants to expand our capacity for contemplation within our active lifestyles. John Cassian, Conference IX, reminds us: “The whole aim of the monk and the perfection of his heart consists in a continual and uninterrupted perseverance in prayer, and as far as is possible for human frailty, it is a striving for immovable tranquility of mind and lasting purity. . . ” Recommended Reading: Korneel Vermeiren, OCSO, Praying with Benedict: Prayer in the Rule of St. Benedict.
FR. FRANCIS BENEDICT has been a monk of Valyermo since 1967. He earned an MA in Philosophy from Loyola-Marymount University and an MS in Theology from Mt. Angel in Oregon. He was ordained a priest in 1976. He served as the Abbey’s abbot for 16 years. His special areas of ministry include spiritual direction, preaching retreats, and working with 12-step recovery groups. In addition to many responsibilities at the Abbey, he now serves as the Director of Oblates.
DR. AUDREY SPINDLER is an oblate of Valyermo and a presenter and facilitator of Centering Prayer under Contemplative Outreach. Having earned her Ph.D. and RD, she is a former professor of Foods and Nutrition and Director of the Didactic Program of Dietetics in the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences at State University. She received over 10 teaching awards and published more than 40 refereed papers.
St. Andrew's Abbey Retreat Office
Phone: (661) 944-2178
Email: retreats@valyermo.com
Office hours:
8:30am-5:00pm
(Closed for Mass and lunch 11:45am-1:30pm)
