Who We Are:

 

The community in San Luis Obispo is

situated just inland beyond the

coastal mountains in the shadow of

Cerro Romauldo and overlooking

Hollister Peak. Located on 40 acres at

an elevation of 600 feet, the

Monastery is surrounded by 

Seven of the Nine Sisters (a chain of

ancient volcanic peaks), farm lands,

eucalyptus, oak, pine and morrows of

the surrounding area. The views of

both valleys and morrows – is a

natural setting profoundly conducive

to the contemplative way of life. 

 

The Camaldolese Charism

 

Camaldolese Benedictine monks trace their heritage to the 6th century monastic traditions of Saint Benedict, as further defined in the 11th century by their founder, Saint Romuald.

 

The three elements of the Camaldolese charism are:

 

• Solitude for personal prayer and meditation

• Communal prayer and work within the monastery

• Contemplative outreach

 

Founded in 1027, the Hermitage at Camaldoli, Italy serves as the motherhouse of the Order. Today, Camaldolese monasteries are found on the continents of Asia, Africa, and North & South America in addition to Europe.

 

Monastery of the Risen Christ

 

Benedictines establish Monastery of the Risen Christ in San Luis Obispo, CA.

The Monastery of the Risen Christ began as a Mission from Our Lady of Guadalupe Abbey, Peco, New Mexico in May 1987, by Fr. Ray Roh O.S.B. In March 1992 it became an independant Priory with the arrival of Abbot David Geraets, O.S.B., as Superior. There were several others in the founding group from New Mexico that included: Fr. Stephen Odenbrett, O.S.B., Fr Albert Meyer, O.S.B., Fr. Raymond Greco, O.S.B., and Marie DeSciullo Obl. O.S.B.

 

In March of 2013 the monastery was released from the founding affiliation of the Olivetan Congregation. In February of 2014 after many months of communication between the Benedictine Superiors of the Camaldolese Congregation and the Olivetan Congregation, the monastery has entered into a three year process of inclusion to be designated as as dependent monastic house of the New Camaldoli Hermitage in Big Sur, California.

 

The excitement brought by this new relationship is only tempered by the three-year requirement to be financially independent. Over the years our monastery has been blessed by the generosity of many wonderful benefactors. We continue to humbly appeal to those who have supported us in the past for continued charity. Our vision includes continued the operation of the monastery:

 

• Drilling a water-well

• Renovation of the chapel area and retreat facilities

• Development and maintenance of this website  to provide information on our contemplative way of life

• On-site ministry

 

Future visions for the monastery include:

 

• Income producing projects in beekeeping, bookstore and food items sales

• Contemplative garden sitting areas on the hillside above the facilities

• Contemplative walking/hiking trail up to the top of Cerro Romauldo, 1,306 feet (398 m)

• Meditative labyrinth

 

The monks’ labors include hospitality, retreats, and a book store.

 

Many of the monks were called to monastic life as a second career. Former careers of community members include college and high school teaching. Former religious careers include service as diocesan priests and as members of Franciscan and orders.

 

New Camaldoli

 

In 1958, the Camaldolese established New Camaldoli Hermitage in Big Sur, CA.

The monks labors include hospitality, retreats, book store, writing, and original art, pottery and music.

Many of the monks were called to monastic life as a second career. Former lay careers of community members include college and high school teaching, performing arts, engineering, clinical psychology, chemistry, construction and the military. Former religious careers include service as diocesan priests and as members of Benedictine, Franciscan, Salesian, Saint John of God and Redemptorist orders.

 

Incarnation Monastery

 

Incarnation Monastery was established by the Camaldolese in Berkeley, CA in 1979.

Strategically located adjacent to the University of California Berkeley and the Graduate Theological Union, Incarnation serves as a house of studies for Camaldolese monks as well as an urban retreat center.

The Incarnation Monastery Monastic Institute shares Benedictine spirituality with the GTU theological community.