Event Details

• Date: February 14, 2026

• Location: St. Michael's Abbey  27977 Silverado Canyon Rd, Silverado, CA 92676

• Cost: $50

Why Attend?

This one-day retreat offers men a powerful spiritual experience focused on preparing for Lent, featuring four profound talks on Lenten themes, time for confession and personal reflection, prayer, Holy Mass, within the sacred beauty of St. Michael’s Abbey. Hosted by the Brotherhood of Penitents of St. Dismas, it provides a meaningful opportunity to deepen your faith through penance, reflection, and community. Rooted in the brotherhood’s mission of spiritual growth and devotion, expressed through annual Lenten retreats, public processions, and charitable works, this gathering invites you to embrace repentance and renewal. Guided by Fr. Alan Benander, O.Praem. and Fr. Jacob Hsieh, O.Praem., the day combines the rich traditions of the Catholic faith with the contemplative atmosphere of the abbey, creating an ideal space for men to reconnect with God.

What to Expect

• Four profound talks centered on preparing the heart and soul for Lent

• Time for silent prayer and personal reflection

• Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) available throughout the day

• Participation in the Conventual Holy Mass at St Michael's Abbey Church

• Light breakfast and lunch graciously provided

• A full day immersed in the sacred beauty, silence, and prayerful atmosphere of St. Michael’s Abbey

Meet Your Leaders

• Fr. Alan Benander, O.Praem: Fr. Alan Benander is a Canon Regular of the Order of Prémontré (Norbertine) at St. Michael’s Abbey in Silverado, California. Ordained in 2013, he is deeply committed to the 900-year-old Norbertine tradition of communal liturgical prayer and pastoral service. A former athlete with a passion for baseball—which he sees as a metaphor for life's challenges and the need for perseverance—Fr. Alan brings energy and relatability to his ministry. He has served in various roles, including assisting at parishes, leading retreats, and speaking on topics like the Eucharist and the value of sports in spiritual formation.

• Fr. Jacob Hsieh, O.Praem: Fr. Jacob Hsieh is a devoted Canon Regular of the Order of Prémontré (Norbertine) at St. Michael’s Abbey in Southern California. With a profound love for the Church's sacred traditions, he teaches Latin, religion, and Gregorian chant, and serves in parish ministry, including leading sacred music. Fr. Jacob frequently leads retreats, conferences, and reflections on topics such as the beauty of the Latin Mass, Marian devotion, and the lives of Norbertine saints. His ministry emphasizes the transcendent power of liturgy, prayer, and the rich heritage of the Catholic faith, guiding others toward deeper holiness and renewal.

Retreat Schedule ​

• 6:30 AM - Arrival

• 7:00 AM - Conventual Holy Mass in the Abbey Church

• 8:00 AM - Light Breakfast

• 8:50 AM - Welcome, Introduction, and Retreat Guidelines

• 9:00 AM - Conference #1 (Fr. Alan Benander, O.Praem.): Prayer: Lifting the Heart to God in Secret

• 9:45 AM - Personal Prayer & Reflection (Confessions available with Fr. Alan)

• 10:00 AM - Conference #2 (Fr. Alan Benander, O.Praem.): Fasting: Disciplining the Flesh and Conquering Temptation

• 11:00 AM - Personal Prayer & Reflection (Confessions available with Fr. Alan)

• 11:15 AM - Conference #3 (Fr. Jacob Hsieh, O.Praem.): Almsgiving: Works of Mercy and Detachment from Riches

• 12:00 PM - Midday Prayer (Sext) with the Abbey Community

• 12:30 PM - Lunch

• 1:15 PM - Conference #4 (Fr. Jacob Hsieh, O.Praem.): Uniting Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving in the Paschal Mystery

• 2:15 PM - Open Q&A Session with the Retreat Leaders

• 2:30 PM - Holy Rosary

• 3:00 PM - Conclusion of the Retreat

Contact

• Email: brotherhoodpenitentstdismas@gmail.com 

• Phone: | (714) 610-5289 | (310) 977-0800

​