Retreats and Days of Reflection
Fr. Mark has given several one day or weekend retreats at Holy Spirit Retreat Center in Encino, CA. See a listing below.
“We have been so blessed to have Fr. Mark Villano as a presenter at Holy Spirit Retreat Center. He is captivating in his presentations and well prepared. His engaging style leaves participants hoping for more. I highly recommend his days of reflection.”
Sr. Deborah Lorenz, SSS
Program Director
Get Ready! — Sacred Meanings of Advent
Day Retreat, 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
“You know the time. It is the hour now for you to awake from sleep. For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” (Romans 13:11)
Advent is a season of hopeful anticipation and preparation. Some of the most beautiful and powerful images of our faith are explored during this season. Yet, many of us are so preoccupied and distracted at this time of year that we miss the call of Advent. This retreat offers an opportunity to savor the themes and images of this holy time. By focusing especially on the figures of John the Baptist and Mary of Nazareth, we will reflect on how the Spirit is continually searching us out, preparing us for a new appearance of Christ in our “here and now.”
Follow Me — Sacred Meanings of Lent
Day Retreat, 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Then he said to them all, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)
Lent is a “penitential” season. It asks us to examine our lives, to look within, and see what needs to change. It is meant to be healing for our wounds and renewal for our minds. It reminds us that our lives are a sacred journey, and the Lord is our travelling companion. Teaching, reflection, scripture readings and prayer time will help us attend to Lent’s sacred meanings. Our Lenten journey accompanies Jesus as he makes his way to Jerusalem. What do we need to learn from him at this point in our lives?
“Pace e Bene!” — Celebrating the Feast of St. Francis
Day Retreat, 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
One of St. Francis’ favorite greetings to the people of Assisi as he walked through the city was: “Pace e bene!”…“Peace and goodness!” In the face of great challenges and hardship, Francis offered a simple and joyful example of care for the poor, oneness with creation, and peacemaking. Join us on this feast day, as we watch the film Francesco starring Mickey Rourke and Helen Bonham Carter. We will reflect on the message of this great saint and how Pope Francis has drawn attention to his relevance for today’s Church. And may God’s “peace and goodness” be with us!
Saints of Advent — Tidings of Comfort and Joy
Day Retreat, 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
St. Nicholas, St. Lucy, St. Stephen, St. John, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton… and many others. What do these varied personalities from Christian history have in common? Their feasts fall in the Advent and Christmas seasons. Can they teach us anything about the themes and challenges of this holy time of year? Enjoy and deepen your Advent preparation by joining with the Saints. Let’s take some time to see how they can lead us deeper into the mystery of Christmas.
The Celtic Face of Mercy — Celebrating the Feast of St. Patrick
Day Retreat, 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
St. Patrick’s Day is known for more than green beer! Learn the history of this great missionary and beloved saint. Spend a little time delving into various themes that are central to Celtic spirituality: hospitality, community, creation affirmation, etc. Whether you’re Irish or not, there is so much to be thankful to St. Patrick for. Let’s honor his memory with a day spent in prayer, learning, and adapting his spiritual legacy for today.
Faith and Film — Responses to Mystery
Weekend Retreat, Friday, 5 PM – Sunday, Noon
This retreat series explores various themes found in human faith experience through the lens of cinematic art. Films, whether classic or popular, offer a window into the beliefs and values of artists and their communities. Faith is a response to the mystery inherent in human life, which leads to prayer and action. Cinema and faith reflection, therefore, have much in common. Both probe human nature and experience in hopes of responding to our deepest questions and hopes. The retreat will offer a distinctive way to explore various topics proposed by religious faith, as well as the history and aesthetics of film. Topics include: Sacramentality, Revelation, Parables, Vice and Virtue, etc.
The Grace, Mercy, and Joy of Christmas Movies: An Advent Film Retreat
Weekend Retreat, Friday, 5 PM - Sunday, Noon
'Tis the season! Christmas movies have never been as popular as they are now. They must be speaking to people's needs and hopes. What goes into a good Christmas movie? How can the human situations they share relate to deeper spiritual questions? As part of our Advent preparation, let's take some time to reflect and pray with films that are both serious and fun. The retreat will end with mass for Gaudete Sunday.
The Five Loves
Day Retreat, 9:30 AM -3:00 PM
C.S. Lewis wrote his famous book The Four Loves to help us uncover the various forms love takes in the Scriptures. On this St. Valentine's Day weekend, join us as we take some time to reflect on how different human experiences of love can reveal the Divine Love that has created us and redeemed us. We'll even add another one to C.S. Lewis' list!
God of Day and God of Darkness
All Saints, All Souls Day Retreat, 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
The coming of autumn days and autumn darkness is a special time to reflect on the lives of those who have gone before us. It can also nourish our own life of faith and hope for the future fulfillment of God's plans for us. Spend some time today with scripture, prayer, and stories that help us consider the mystery of God's light in our lives
Steps on the Road to Your Soul
A Lenten Day Retreat, 9:30 AM -3:00 PM
What's your idea of the "soul"? The soul may be mysterious, but it is also clear and seen. It's the mystery of who we are, our deepest self. Lent offers us a season to ask deeper questions and listen to how God is inviting us to a fuller life. Let's take some time out to feed our souls with scripture, prayer, and reflection on that deep life within us made in God's image.
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