Summer Silent Retreat Week at San Damiano

Event Details
Monday June 29th to Sunday, July 5th
A WEEK OF SILENCE: A CONTEMPLATIVE EXPERIENCE ON THE MOUNTAIN
Nestled in the serene surroundings of San Damiano Retreat, this exceptional week-long silent retreat brings together four distinguished spiritual guides for what truly may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This retreat has been thoughtfully designed for both experienced practitioners and those new to silent retreats who seek something deeper in their spiritual journey.
An Extraordinary Gathering of Spiritual Leaders
This retreat features an unprecedented collaboration of four remarkable spiritual guides:
Rev. Bill Sheehan, OMI – A master retreat director with over 30 years of experience in Centering Prayer, Fr. Bill has guided countless practitioners throughout the United States in this transformative prayer practice. As a founding member of Contemplative Outreach alongside Fr. Thomas Keating, he brings profound wisdom and gentle guidance to the practice of silent contemplation.
Dr. Michael Cunningham, OFS – As Executive Director of San Damiano Retreat and a commissioned presenter for Contemplative Outreach, Michael brings his experience as a certified Spiritual Director, writer, and photographer to guide participants through various contemplative practices including Visio Divina and nature-based meditation.
Ann Naffziger, M.Div., M.A. – With her extensive background in Biblical languages, parish ministry, and spiritual direction, Ann expertly guides retreatants through Imaginative Prayer and Lectio Divina practices, making ancient contemplative traditions accessible to modern seekers.
Jesse Manibusan – He is a speaker, singer, songwriter and storyteller. He is originally from Guam; a graduate of the Franciscan School of Theology, class of ’99, and resides in the bay area in northern California. Jesse is a longtime lay Catholic itinerant witness, sharing his stories of faith, cultivating compassion and hope through workshops, retreats, and concerts. Jesse is also a friend of Bill W. Jesse is published by Oregon Catholic Press with songs like OPEN MY EYES, ALL ARE WELCOME, HOLD ON TO LOVE, to name a few.
A Customizable Journey into Silence
This retreat offers multiple tracks, allowing you to create your own contemplative experience:
Centering Prayer sessions led by Fr. Bill Sheehan
Imaginative Prayer and Lectio Divina guided by Ann Naffziger