Lenten Retreat

AN EAR FOR PLACE: Environment, History, and Contemplative Listening

Presented by Derek Larson, Ph.D. and Brother Denys Janiga, O.S.B.

How might a deeper attentiveness to the natural world reshape our relationship with God, our neighbors, and the places we call home? This retreat explores the environment through history and spirituality, inviting participants to slow down, observe carefully, and receive the world as gift rather than possession.

Co-led by an environmental studies professor and a Benedictine monk, the program brings together a spiritual and secular exploration of environmental history and Benedictine spirituality, Scripture, and contemplative practice. Participants will consider how landscapes carry ecological, cultural, agricultural, and human histories—and how listening within a particular place can foster gratitude and responsible care. 

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, $285; double-occupancy room, $495; suite, $565; 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.

Derek Larson, Ph.D.

Doctor Derek Larson began teaching at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University in 1998. He has served as Chair of the Environmental Studies Department since 2001 and holds a joint appointment with the CSB/SJU Department of History. His current research is focused on Environmental Politics in Oregon in the 1960s and 1970s. Every month he writes an Op-Ed article for the St. Cloud Times and in his spare time he enjoys fishing, playing guitar, camping and woodworking.

Brother Denys Janiga, O.S.B.

Brother Denys Janiga is a Benedictine monk of Saint John’s Abbey.  He is Canadian and has lived in four provinces and one territory.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from Trent University, a Master's in Environmental Studies from York University, and a Master of Arts in public policy and administration from Toronto Metropolitan University. Before entering monastic life, his professional experience included developmental disabilities, social policy, and labor relations.  He is currently a faculty resident, religious educator in campus ministry, and has been writing a weekly column for the student newspaper since 2024.  Next fall he will begin studying canon law at St. Paul’s University.