Known for its beautiful beaches, surfing culture and celebrity mansions, Malibu offers much more than picturesque coastal resorts. Tucked away in the Malibu Canyons is the tranquil Serra Retreat, a Catholic retreat and conference facility that is a haven for spiritual reflection and growth. Originally planned as a home for the Malibu Rindge family and sold to the Franciscans in 1942, Serra Retreat is a sanctuary for those seeking tranquility and connection with God.
The retreat’s location is a big part of its appeal. Malibu’s Mediterranean climate is warm and dry, with mild, humid winters, providing an ideal environment for reflection and relaxation. Surrounded by lush gardens and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the retreat grounds offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
I was deeply impressed by the welcoming atmosphere at Serra Retreat, especially the feminine vibe that permeated the entire space. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the gentle presence of sunflowers adorning every corner, their bright and cheerful flowers giving off a sense of warmth and joy. This thoughtful detail extended to my personal spaces, where even more yellow flowers greeted me as I entered my room. The cheerful atmosphere reflected the nurturing environment fostered by the retreat director and the Franciscan staff and monks, making me feel not only welcomed but also valued as I began my spiritual journey.
St. Joseph Sister Carol Quinlivan led a transformational retreat entitled “Be Thou My Vision.” Thirty-three sisters from 12 congregations came together to explore our inner sacred space and confront our weaknesses and fears while seeking to understand the vision God has for us. For some sisters, it was their first time participating in an intercongregational retreat, but they were excited by the rich discussions and the opportunity to interact with other sisters from different countries. Sister Carol fostered an environment that allowed us to deeply explore our spiritual journeys. Through guided meditations and reflection sessions, we were encouraged to use our mind’s eyes to sense God’s presence in our lives and envision Him in new and profound ways.
A key theme of the retreat was the exploration of images of God and their impact on our lives. We were encouraged to reflect on our favorite images of God and how our perceptions of them have shaped our spirituality. This introspective process highlighted the importance of allowing our understanding of God to evolve in reflection of our personal growth and experiences.
One of the central messages of the retreat was the concept of friendship with God. This relationship opened our eyes to read the Bible in a different light and fostered a deeper, more personal connection with God. Developing this friendship allowed us to engage with our faith on a more intimate level and find new meaning and insight in our spiritual practice.
The retreat also emphasized the importance of intentionally taking sacred breaks in our lives – to reflect, pray and connect with God. These quiet moments allow us to see the world through God’s eyes and understand it with greater clarity and compassion. In a society that often values constant activity and productivity, these sacred breaks are essential to nurture our spiritual well-being.
Additionally, Sister Carol emphasized the collective nature of our spiritual journey and how our interactions within the universe reflect the collective mindset of the vision. According to her explanation, Christ’s love is manifested through our shared weakness, fostering a sense of community and mutual support among us.
During the retreat, we participated in various rituals and sacraments of reconciliation and healing, not only for ourselves but also for the world. These sacred rites allowed us to face our own burdens, release them, and ask for forgiveness and renewal. These rituals were powerful reminders of the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of healing both within and around us.
Another enriching aspect of the retreat was the blend of Celtic spirituality and tradition. The use of Celtic music added wonderful depth and connection to the rhythms of ancient faith. The melodies and harmonies provided a soothing backdrop to enhance our meditation and reflection, and grounded us in a tradition that celebrates the sacredness of all creation.
Our retreat at Serra Retreat in Malibu was a profound experience for all who attended. By exploring our image of God, cultivating a deeper friendship with Him, and intentionally stepping into sacred space, we left feeling a renewed sense of purpose and connection. The retreat offered more than just a restful escape; it also provided a transformational journey to the core of our spirituality, helping each of us envision God in a way that deeply resonated with our unique spiritual path.
