Dear Friends,

In the heart of the beautiful Central Coast, nestled within the embrace of nature, the Monastery of the Risen Christ in San Luis Obispo, California, stands as a testament to nearly millenia of Camaldoli contemplative tradition, and the Roman Catholic Church.

We encourage the public to join us during our Monastic Prayer Schedule as follows:*

7:30 AM Lauds

11:00 AM Eucharist

5:30 PM Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Meditation

6:00 PM Vespers

*Vigils and Compline are private

Breathtaking Locale: A Natural Retreat

Located beyond the coastal mountains, in the shadow of Cerro Romauldo amidst the “Irish Hills,” our monastery gazes at the serene views of valleys and morrows, surrounded by Seven of the Nine Sisters - ancient volcanic peaks. Positioned on a sprawling 40 acres at 600 feet elevation, the vista encircles us with eucalyptus, oak, pine, and the vast farmlands of the Central Coast, creating an atmosphere perfect for contemplation and communion with God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

Our Rich Legacy: From St. Benedict to St. Romuald

The Camaldolese Benedictine monks, anchored deeply in the 6th-century monastic traditions initiated by St. Benedict, took on further depth in the 11th century under the influence of Saint Romuald. With origins in Camaldoli, Italy, the unique Camaldolese charism can be described as a trilogy:

- Solitude: Fostering personal prayer and deep meditation.

- Community: Encouraging communal prayer and monastic duties.

- Contemplative Outreach: Extending the spirituality beyond the walls of the monastery.

Our heritage began in 1027 with the foundation of the Hermitage at Camaldoli, Italy. Beyond Europe, our reach extends through sister monasteries, touching the continents of Asia, Africa, North & South America.

Journey of the Monastery of the Risen Christ

Initiated as a mission from Our Lady of Guadalupe Abbey, Pecos, New Mexico in 1987, our monastery underwent a significant evolution. By 2014, through mutual understanding and spiritual alignment, we became a dependent monastery of the New Camaldoli Hermitage located in the tranquil settings of Big Sur, California.

Over the decades, countless benefactors have showered us with their generosity. The purpose and meaning behind our existence have been enriched through hospitality, retreats, wisdom conferences, and spiritual direction. Our prayerful contemplation also finds its way into the Liturgy of the Hours, Meditation/Adoration, Eucharist, Lectio Divina, and personal prayer.

A Day in Our Lives: Ora et Labora

In the wise words of Saint Benedict, we are beckoned to “pray without ceasing.” Our daily life is an interweave of Prayer (Liturgy & Lectio) and Work, or Ora et Labora. Be it the communal prayer during the Liturgy of the Hours or the solitary prayer of Lectio, a unique Camaldolese spiritual practice; our connection with God remains steadfast. We engage in various tasks, from mundane chores to employing our unique talents in art, writing, or music. But through all our endeavors, we carry a singular purpose: recognizing and basking in God’s ever-present love.

Guests, friends, and seekers are always welcome to share in our spiritual practices, diving deep into the contemplative realm that the Camaldolese Monks and Benedictine spirituality so profoundly offer.

Let our monastery, in the heart of San Luis Obispo, be your spiritual sanctuary, guiding you closer to the essence of existence and the divine.