Sanctuary of Serenity

“In our American society, if you’re not doing something, there is something wrong with you,” said Father Warren J. Rouse, OFM, director of the Serra Retreat in Malibu. At no time is this more evident than in the waning days of the holiday season. What better time to question the necessity --or sanity--of perpetual motion than at the dawn of a new year. There is no better place to ponder this question than Serra Retreat, a Franciscan monastery deep in a wooded canyon near Malibu. Named after Junipero Serra, founder of the California missions, Serra Retreat is housed in a Mediterranean-style mansion built in 1905. The Franciscans bought the house and the 26 acres surrounding it for $40,000 in 1942.

Today, the retreat is a sacred space for clergy and lay people seeking spiritual renewal, working through personal or professional crises, or reassessing the meaning and direction of their lives in general, said Rouse, a member of the Order of Friars Minor.

What exactly does one do on retreat?

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to spend your time praying, meditating, confessing sins or communing with nature. Although all are popular pastimes at Serra, many people just want to do nothing. As Rouse recommended, just be.

This is one of the most beautiful places to step off the interstate of life, nurture or explore things of the spirit and appreciate the natural beauty of the area.

From the monastery, there are unobstructed views of the Pacific, the most picturesque of which is at The Point--the site of a large crucifix that faces the ocean.

The Serra Retreat is open to visitors daily or for overnight stays. Rooms at Serra are private and every attempt is made to give guests their own bathroom. Nutritious meals are prepared in the kitchen, and the dining room and coffee service are available around-the-clock. A one-night stay is $70, including meals; longer visits are $65 a night.

If a couple show up, Rouse sidesteps the issue of whether or not they are married and adopts a Motel 6 attitude. “I ask no questions,” the retreat director said.

Retreats typically run Friday to Sunday, but weeklong stays also can be arranged.

Private retreats are unstructured, and the best itinerary at Serra is no itinerary at all. “When they show up on Friday, it’s a time for them to say ‘goodbye world,’ ” Rouse said.

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Male and female clergy are available for those who want to consult with trained spiritual counselors. If you wish to do this, you should make an appointment at least a few days in advance.

Visitors often want to talk about relationship issues and how prayer fits into their lives, said Susan Blomstad, OSF (Order of St. Francis).

“An open and willing attitude is the best thing to come with,” Blomstad said. “Be open to the experience and see where it takes you.”

Be ready to spend about a day adjusting to the stillness, quiet and sanctity of Serra.

To make the most of this precious time, on the day of your arrival, try to beat the rush-hour traffic on Pacific Coast Highway.

Rouse said he relies on the guidance of radio station KNX-AM (1070) to navigate the most expedient route to Serra. “I listen to their traffic report every six minutes,” he said. “That saved my neck a couple of times.”

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BE THERE

Serra Retreat, 3401 Serra Road, Malibu Canyon, (310) 456-6631. A one-night stay is $70; longer visits are $65 a night, including meals.