San Damiano Retreat

San Damiano Retreat San Damiano is a retreat center set in the beautiful hills of the San Ramon Valley deep in Contra Costa country. Come and rest awhile.

This peace-filled setting is the ideal environment to take some time to reflect and relax in our fifty-plus acres of spectacular nature. "A little piece of heaven" in the hills above Danville, CA. The natural beauty of San Damiano is unsurpassed. Our Canticle Garden has benches, a fountain, many plants and flowers along with birds singing and chirping.

You don't have to have it figured out to start. 🌿Introducing Common Ground - a new monthly gathering for people who care...
09/09/2026

You don't have to have it figured out to start. 🌿

Introducing Common Ground - a new monthly gathering for people who care about what actually matters: income inequality, housing, climate, the people our systems leave behind. Real community instead of the performative kind.

Every session takes on something real - the wealth gap in the Bay Area, the loneliness epidemic, immigration and displacement, what it means to actually show up for marginalized communities instead of just posting about them. Then we ask the only question that matters: now what?

This isn't a lecture series and it isn't church, even if some of what shapes it comes from an old spiritual tradition of showing up for people on the margins. Whatever your relationship to religion - over it, never had one, still figuring it out - this is about finding the people who are already living by the values you hold, and doing something about it together.

No recruitment. No pretending the world isn't on fire. Just honest conversation with people willing to do more than talk.

Each 2-hour session: a short talk, real conversation, and time to act on what you're feeling.

First Sunday of every month. 3–5pm. 55 acres, zero pressure.

Starts October 4th. You don't have to believe what we believe to belong here - you just have to show up.

Follow along for details + registration

Where shared values become shared action.



✨ San Damiano Retreat has been designated an official pilgrimage site for this Jubilee Year!That means when you come her...
09/08/2026

✨ San Damiano Retreat has been designated an official pilgrimage site for this Jubilee Year!
That means when you come here for our “Rebuild My Church” retreat weekend, you can receive the Papal Plenary Indulgence - right here on our grounds, during our pilgrimage prayer walk.

This isn't something you can do just anywhere. We're one of the designated places.

Come as you are. Bring your spouse, your friends, your teens (ages 13 and up are warmly welcome). This weekend is for the whole community - parishioners, neighbors, anyone who feels the pull to show up.

You don't need any special preparation. Just let us know you're coming by registering online or giving us a call.

If it's been a while since you've been connected to the Church or to your faith, this is a wonderful, low-pressure way to step back in. St. Francis was famous for meeting people exactly where they were. So are we.

This isn't a silent, sit-in-your-pew kind of retreat. You'll have time for:
✨Meaningful talks and small group discussion on Franciscan spirituality
✨Prayer and contemplation on our beautiful 55-acre grounds
✨Daily Eucharist with Franciscan homilies
✨Individual spiritual direction if you'd like it
✨Fellowship, meals together, and yes - some fun along the way 😊

Join our next one!

Danville, CA · Private rooms · All meals included
In the spirit of St. Francis, no one turned away due to financial constraints.
🔗 Learn more and register — link in bio.


🕊️ Saturdays with St. Francis is returning! 🕊️Mark your calendars - our beloved monthly half-day retreat returns to San ...
09/07/2026

🕊️ Saturdays with St. Francis is returning! 🕊️

Mark your calendars - our beloved monthly half-day retreat returns to San Damiano this September!
Join us the second Saturday of each month, 10am–2pm, for a gentle pause in your busy life: prayer, discussion, quiet time outdoors on our beautiful 55 acres, and a delicious lunch together.

Come as you are. No experience with retreats needed, just an open heart.

✨ September 12 – The Practice of the Presence of God
As summer turns to autumn, spend a meaningful morning exploring this beloved 300-year-old classic by Brother Lawrence - a favorite of Pope Leo. We'll pray, reflect, and rest together in community. Consider it an end-of-summer gift to your Self.

✨ October 10 – Do You Picture St. Francis as Smiling or Frowning?
In honor of the Feast of St. Francis, we'll explore episodes from his life and discover what his relationship with God reveals about our own.

✨ November 7 – You Are a Saint!
A gentle reminder that the God we believe in dwells within each of us — and that includes you.

✨ December 12 – The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Discover the rich story of 1531 and how Mary's "yes" can guide our own.

Each Saturday includes prayer, shared discussion, silent time outdoors, and lunch, all in the peaceful, welcoming spirit of Franciscan hospitality.

Register at the link in our bio. 😊
Come for one, or come to all - you're always welcome here. 🌿



Join us as we journey with Franciscan Saints, Franciscan Traditions, and Franciscan Culture to mark the 800th anniversar...
09/06/2026

Join us as we journey with Franciscan Saints, Franciscan Traditions, and Franciscan Culture to mark the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ death.

We will embrace the Divine Feminine through the Franciscan Eye, plus look at such topics as: The Franciscan Way of Life, The Orders of Franciscans, The First Nativity Scene, and Embracing Holy Poverty in a Materialistic World.

7-8pm every other Thursday evening via Zoom so you can enjoy this series through the comforts of your own home!

Upcoming sessions:
✨9/17 Feast of the Stigmata of St. Francis
✨10/1 Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (Feast Day 10/4)
✨10/15 Evolution of the Franciscans: The Orders: Friars Minor, Capuchins, Conventuals
✨10/22 St. Agnes of Assisi (Feast Day 11/16)

Register at the link in our bio. 😊



Saint Francis of Assis believed that all living creatures were his brothers and sisters under God. He famously preached ...
09/06/2026

Saint Francis of Assis believed that all living creatures were his brothers and sisters under God. He famously preached to birds and negotiated peace with a wolf in the town of Gubbio. To continue his legacy, we celebrate and honor the bond between humans and their pets, recognizing animals as essential parts of God’s creation.

All Pets and their Humans are welcome. Bring dogs, cats, hamsters, birds, fish and even farm animals like chicken, goats and horses are welcome.

Our Resident Franciscan brothers will bless animals and owners offering a prayer for their health and safety in the coming year.

Please join us in front of the St. Francis statue on Saturday Oct 3rd 1:00 to 2:30 pm.

We will also have some local pet friendly information for you to view.
Join us! 😊

Advent is closer than we think. 🕊️Save the date for Magnifica Humanitas, our Advent Retreat here at San Damiano, Decembe...
09/04/2026

Advent is closer than we think. 🕊️

Save the date for Magnifica Humanitas, our Advent Retreat here at San Damiano, December 4–6, 2026.

"At the heart of everything is the mystery of the Incarnation, the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us." — Pope Leo XIV

In the darkness, anxieties, and calamities of our times, this retreat offers a chance to "come aside" and lean into Advent for hope, sustenance, and guidance. Together we'll wait and watch in the wilderness, listen for the messengers of Advent, and open our hearts to God's coming into our days.

Led by Jean Molesky-Poz, Ph.D. - Franciscan-rooted scholar, writer, and retreat facilitator - this weekend holds space for silence, meditation, journaling, Eucharist, and quiet places for walking, sitting, or simply gazing and musing.

Come as you are. Your soul knows how to wait - let this retreat help it remember. 🌿

Reserve your spot - link in bio!



Sometimes the holidays can be a very tender time, especially when you're carrying grief from the loss of someone you lov...
09/03/2026

Sometimes the holidays can be a very tender time, especially when you're carrying grief from the loss of someone you love.
Sometimes the bravest step is simply showing up for yourself.

In the quiet embrace of our sacred grounds, you'll find what your heart has been seeking - understanding, connection, and gentle guidance for moving forward while honoring your loved one's memory.

✨ You'll discover how to:
- Remember your loved one on life's journey
- Focus on your own process, learning, and healing
- Express your grief in a gentle, nurturing way
- Understand grief triggers, especially during the holidays
- Spark new insight, connection, and self-care

Through group activities, personal reflection, meditation, shared meals, and healing rituals, this gentle retreat offers a nurturing space to focus on your healing with a compassionate community that understands.

We invite you to take that brave step with us. 🔗 Register now - link in bio.

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09/02/2026

The big day is here!
🎉
We have the green light to flip the switch on our solar panels! 🙌
Thank you deeply to all of our generous donors. Without each of you this wouldn't have been possible.
🙏🌞

Join us for a late Sunday afternoon full of live music, food, w**e, and more!🎶 The FINAL Summer Music Day!! 🎶Your ticket...
09/02/2026

Join us for a late Sunday afternoon full of live music, food, w**e, and more!
🎶 The FINAL Summer Music Day!! 🎶

Your ticket includes EVERYTHING:
🎶Live music & dancing
🍷Wine & beverages
🍢Delicious food & appetizers
🌳A gorgeous outdoor setting
👫The best people around
Just show up and have fun! 😊

Grab your friends, round up the family, or treat yourself to a solo afternoon of pure joy.
However you come, you're going to have a blast!
Sunday September 20th | 4:00–6:00pm

Every ticket you buy will go towards our "Power Our Mission" fundraiser for our solar sustainability project, helping power San Damiano for generations to come. Feel-good fun with a feel-good cause!
Only $45 for the 21+ and just $25 under 21 years!

👉 Tickets are limited – grab yours now before they're gone!
Link on our website or in our bio! 😊



Join Brother Mark for a 6-week Zoom journey through Pope Leo XIV's first Encyclical — Magnifica Humanitas — a timely and...
09/01/2026

Join Brother Mark for a 6-week Zoom journey through Pope Leo XIV's first Encyclical — Magnifica Humanitas — a timely and Spirit-filled exploration of faith, humanity, technology, and love in our modern world.

This isn't a college course, it's a heart-centered conversation where we read together, ask questions together, and discern together. All are welcome - no theology degree required! 🙏

📅 Mondays | 7:00–8:15 PM
September 14 – October 19, 2026
💻 Via Zoom
💛 $100 for all six sessions

Brother Mark has been a Franciscan Friar for over 40 years and brings warmth, wisdom, and a distinctly Franciscan spirit to every gathering - grounded in openness, care of self, and the value of action in everyday life.

Space is limited — we'd love to have you at the table. 🕊️

👉 Register at the link in our bio, sandamiano.org or call us to save your spot!
Note: Be sure to search for Pope Leo XIV's Magnifica Humanitas (2026) — not to be confused with Pope Leo XIII's 1891 encyclical.


Address

710 Highland Drive
Danville, CA
94526

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