Lenten Retreat

A Continuous Lent: Only for Monks or for All?

A central season of our liturgical year, Lent serves as a time of fasting, renewal, and self-reflection. This Lenten retreat will bring a collection of different perspectives and conferences from Saint John's Abbey's youngest members about how Lent is highlighted in the Rule of St. Benedict, how we can offer compassion during this season to self and others, and how the liturgical life at Saint John’s Abbey and the liturgical calendar echoes themes found throughout all of Lent.

Br. Travis Spillum will begin the retreat with reflections on Lent, Lament, and Loss in the Rule of St. Benedict and the Psalmody; Br. David Allen will lead a conversation on self-compassion and reflection during temptation, and Br. Jacob Berns will offer a brief history and sharing of the liturgical practices observed at Saint John’s Abbey and throughout Lent. 

Registration Information

The retreat begins with supper at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and concludes after a Sunday morning conference and optional 10:30 a.m. Mass. 

Cost: single-occupancy room, $250; double-occupancy room, $435; suite, $475; meals included.

To register for this retreat, contact the Spiritual Life Office at 320-363-3929, email us at spirlife@osb.org, or register online.

Brother Travis Spillum, O.S.B.

Brother Travis Spillum, O.S.B., graduated from Saint John’s University with degrees in Economics and Mathematics. Br. Travis is currently in his third year of priesthood studies, serves on a variety of Abbey Finance and Investment boards, the Abbey Vocations Team, and enjoys cooking, games, and reading.

Brother David Allen, O.S.B.

Brother David Allen, O.S.B., graduated from Saint John’s University and the SOT-Seminary and is an ordained transitional deacon, preparing for priesthood. Br. David currently serves as Assistant Guestmaster, Spiritual Life Coordinator and is a Faculty Resident with SJU Residential Life. An avid puzzler and reader, Br. David also enjoys cooking, colorful oil pastel drawing and collecting small antiques.

Brother Jacob Berns, O.S.B.

Brother Jacob Berns, O.S.B., is a monk of Saint John’s Abbey, where he serves as accountant, organist, and assistant formation director. He earned an M.A. in Liturgical Music from St. John’s School of Theology and enjoys using leisure time to run, bake, and forage for raspberries.