If the event is listed as sold out please call us at 661-944-2178 for real-time availability and waiting list. Office hours are from 8:30am- 5:00pm (closed for mass & lunch *11:45a.m- 1:30pm) Check-in time starts at 3:00pm. Check-out time is at 10:00am (exceptions may apply).
Please note: Until further notice, proof of COVID-19 vaccinations is required for any "in-house" retreat stays. In order to accommodate those who choose to opt-out, we are doing our best to continue offering various retreats online via ZOOM. Your support during this time is greatly appreciated. May God bless you all. For any questions or more information please call our retreat office at 661-944-2178 or email retreats@valyermo.com
THREE WITNESSES TO HIGHER TRUTH 20th Century Martyrs of the Nazi Regime
Monday, August 9 - Friday, August 13, 2021
Retreat Description: It is of great interest to study the spirituality of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, St. Maximilian Kolbe & Etty Hillesum. They come from different faith traditions: Lutheran, Catholic, and Jewish. They witnessed with their lives in varying circumstances to the transcendent God and bring hope to believers of every generation who share the desire for a more just society where all people are seen as worthy of respect, dignity, and life itself. Courage, generosity, and optimism are virtues they manifested in the worst human circumstances.
Presenter: Father Francis 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, Obl. OSB; Ph.D. 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.