3 minute read
San Damiano Spiritual Retreat Center
www.DanvilleLivingCA.com @DanvilleLivingCA #DanvilleLivingCA
By Sandra Mcmullen, Resident since 1992
Well, here I go again wandering around our little town discovering “New to Me” places. This time I followed a recommendation to discover San Damiano, and WOW! It’s beautiful. I’m glad I made an appointment to meet with the Interim Director, Lisa, because there are signs on the way up the hill announcing this is a private road for residents and guests only. No wonder it’s so mysterious.
With a shot like this, it’s easy to see why this is such a perfect place to come and reflect
At the top of that long and winding road, nestled on 55 wooded acres, sits the resplendent San Damiano Spiritual Retreat Center. Run by the Franciscan Friars of the Roman Catholic faith, the center serves as a sanctuary for people of all faiths or spiritual longings. Built in 1961, it began as a men’s only retreat house, but quickly evolved to welcome men and women of diverse faith backgrounds and life circumstances to make the pilgrimage up the mountain.
What is striking is the immediate sense of tranquility that begins on the road up as a beautiful canopy of trees envelopes you on your journey. Even though you are so close to the 680 Freeway, and look down on it from the retreat center, there is no sense of the hurriedness of daily life. There is a quiet stillness to the grounds that promote a sense of serenity. I can see why this has been referred to as “heaven on the hill.” The center serves over 10,000 retreat attendees a year, yet it maintains its peaceful existence.
The grounds not only include amazing views of Mt. Diablo and the entire San Ramon Valley, but they also have a canticle garden, stations of the cross, and an orchard containing 90 fruit trees, including olives, apples, pears, lemons, tangerines and more, along with an organic vegetable garden. The produce from both is used as often as possible in the dining room that feeds retreat guests. On the fence protecting the orchard from the many deer and other critters that roam the hills sits some iron birds. These birds are up for adoption, and you can even dedicate one!
Another amazing discovery is the cute little gift shop full of spiritual books, interfaith items and gifts so you have another option to shop in town!
It is important to note that the primary purpose of the center is to provide retreats for groups or individuals of any faith who come there for a variety of reasons; they do ask that visitors respect the sacredness of the space. Guests come there for a variety of reasons such as spiritual growth, quiet contemplation, recovery or grief.
There are many events throughout the year where all are welcome!
• Sunday Dinners served family style, must reserve online, seating at 4:30, international menu varies, Adults $25pp; Children $15
• Earth Day, Sunday, April 19th 2pm-5pm
• Tour the trails and orchard – learn about the bees and honey
• Booths to learn about caring for creations: watershed; recycle; renew
• St. Vincent de Paul will be collecting clothing and eyeglasses
• Auction: Evening under the Stars – gala fundraising event (always looking for donations – cabin at Tahoe?)
• Conference and Meeting space
In last month’s article, I mentioned there are 7 trailheads on the west side of Danville leading to Las Trampas Regional Park. I erroneously named San Damiano as one of the entrances. This is not true. There is no regional park entrance on their grounds. They do have private hiking trails for guests; if you call ahead you may be able to use the trails. If you are walking with your dog they must be on a leash.
The gift shop
It is important to note that the primary purpose of the center is to provide retreats for groups or individuals of any faith who come there for a variety of reasons be it spiritual growth, quiet contemplation, recovery, or death. For this reason they do ask that visitors respect the sacredness of the guests’ journey.
www.sandamiano.org Like them on Facebook too!
Sandra Mcmullan immigrated from Northern Ireland when she was just 3 1/2 years old. She recently retired from a composite career in Workforce and Economic Development designing training programs funded by both the state of California’s Employment Training Panel (ETP) and or the Federal Workforce Investment Act. Sandra loves fishing, traveling, and being an adventurous grandmother!
