Women Mystics in the Monastic Tradition 2017

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).

Women Mystics in the Monastic Tradition: St. Gertrude the Great, St. Hildegard of Bingen, & Julian of Norwich

Monday, July 31 - Friday, August 4, 2017

Retreat Description: This retreat will explore the spiritual riches in the writings of three women mystics: two from the Benedictine tradition and one from the English anchorite tradition. Their profound relationship with God is able to inspire people of every age, showing us how to love the all-lovable God, God's creation and God's other children. Each mystic instills a unique optimism toward God and toward life in this world as we pursue wisdom, holiness and truth. They teach and practice the spiritual art with hope and with joy, despite the hardships that face each one of us.

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.

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.