St. Andrew’s Abbey in Valyermo: A Place to Slow Down, Pray, and Begin Again

Life rarely gives us permission to stop. Our phones keep buzzing, responsibilities keep growing, and even our quiet moments can fill with worry. Sometimes the most helpful thing we can do is step away long enough to listen. St. Andrew’s Abbey in Valyermo, California, offers a place to do exactly that.

What is St. Andrew’s Abbey?

St. Andrew’s Abbey is a Catholic Benedictine monastery in Southern California’s high desert. The monks shape their days around prayer, work, study, and community. Their story reaches from Belgium to China and then to Valyermo, where they established the monastery in 1955 and began welcoming people for retreats. The abbey is the monks’ home and a living community of faith. Visitors can join them for prayer and experience a daily rhythm that makes room for silence and reflection.

Why is it special?

At St. Andrew’s, prayer marks the day. The monks gather for the Divine Office, celebrate Mass, and practice lectio divina, a slow, prayerful reading of Scripture. Guests are welcome to join them. The abbey also offers day retreats, workshops, group visits, and private retreats for those seeking quiet time alone. That change of pace can be a gift. You can put down your phone, sit quietly, walk, read, or simply pay attention to what has been on your heart.

How could a visit benefit you?

If you feel overwhelmed, silence may give you space to notice what you have been carrying. If your faith feels distant, joining the monks in prayer may help you take a small step toward God. If you face a difficult decision, time away from your usual routine may help you think and pray more clearly. You do not need to know how to pray perfectly before you arrive. Start simply: attend a prayer service, read a short Gospel passage, or ask God, “What do I need to hear today?” There may be no dramatic answer. Sometimes the gift is a little more peace and a clearer sense of what to do next.

Bringing the abbey home

Not everyone can travel to Valyermo. You can still try a simple Benedictine rhythm: begin the morning with prayer, pause at midday, read Scripture slowly, and end the evening with gratitude. If you can visit, check the abbey’s retreat information and current schedule before making plans. St. Andrew’s Abbey is at 31001 N. Valyermo Road, Valyermo, CA 93563. For retreat availability, call (661) 944-2178 or email retreats@valyermo.com.

You may arrive hoping for answers. Give yourself room to receive something quieter, too: the chance to slow down, listen, and remember that God is present in the middle of your life.