A Blessed Legacy
For more than 60 years, Mary & Joseph Retreat Center has stood as a sacred space of spiritual rest and transformation. Tucked in the quiet hills of Palos Verdes, our Center began as a dream in the hearts of the Daughters of Mary and Joseph and has grown into a vibrant ministry welcoming over 15,000 visitors each year. Through decades of change—from Vatican II to a global pandemic—this place has remained a haven of compassion, contemplative prayer, and community for people of all faiths. Our story is rooted in faith and continues through the generosity, dedication, and service of those who walk these grounds today.
Our Founding Sisters
The story of Mary & Joseph Retreat Center begins in 1926, when eleven Daughters of Mary and Joseph traveled from Belgium to California, answering a call from Archbishop Cantwell to serve in local Catholic schools. From these humble beginnings, the community flourished—teaching in over a dozen schools by the late 1950s.
As vocations grew, so did the need for a novitiate and spiritual formation space. Inspired by the Holy Spirit and guided by Divine Providence, the Sisters took a bold step forward. In partnership with the newly formed Mary and Joseph League and with the support of Cardinal McIntyre, they acquired land in Rancho Palos Verdes. With hearts full of faith and a vision for renewal, the groundwork was laid—both literally and spiritually—for what would become the Retreat Center.
The Prayer for a Space
Before there were buildings or walking paths, there was a prayer—a hope for a place that would nourish both soul and spirit. Originally envisioned as a novitiate, the Sisters soon felt a deeper call: to create a space of spiritual growth for married couples, families, and all seeking connection with God.
That vision became reality in 1963, when the Retreat Center welcomed its first group of retreatants. What began as a response to a need became a blessing for thousands. As Vatican II invited the Church into an era of renewal and universal holiness, the Retreat Center opened its doors to a diverse and growing spiritual community. From Charismatic Renewal to Marriage Encounter, from contemplative prayer to 12-step recovery, the Center evolved as a living response to the Spirit’s movement.
Building Our Dream
Constructed in the early 1960s with clean lines and classic mid-century architecture, the Center was more than a building—it was a ministry. Through the years, the Sisters offered hospitality to those facing brokenness, grief, or a desire for deeper spiritual formation. Retreats in Ignatian spirituality and contemplative practice became cornerstones. Healing ministries emerged for those recovering from addiction, navigating divorce, or seeking peace.
As the years progressed, the Center expanded its outreach. Archdiocesan and parish groups, religious communities, ecumenical gatherings, and interfaith dialogues found a home here. The Dawn Unity Group, formed in collaboration with the South Coast Ecumenical Council, has welcomed participants from many faith traditions—working toward unity, understanding, and shared spiritual values.
God’s Blessings Continue Today
Today, the legacy continues. With the torch passed to dedicated lay staff, hundreds of volunteers, and generous donors, the Retreat Center thrives. More than 60 years since its founding, we remain committed to offering space for prayer, rest, and transformation.
Even through challenges—such as the pandemic—we have adapted with faith and purpose. From building outdoor gathering spaces to welcoming new retreat formats, we continue to evolve while honoring our sacred past. Each year, thousands of students, teachers, spiritual seekers, and faith leaders pass through our doors—renewed, reconnected, and restored.
As we celebrate this milestone in our journey, we remember the words of our Founders: to “be there for the whole Church.” With hope in our hearts and trust in God’s guidance, we carry this mission forward—welcoming all who seek light, healing, and peace.
Centered in Faith,
Welcoming to all.
Rooted in the Catholic tradition, Mary & Joseph Retreat Center is a place of spiritual hospitality for people of all backgrounds. We offer a peaceful, sacred space where individuals and groups can explore faith, find renewal, and deepen their connection to God. Whether you’re seeking quiet reflection, meaningful dialogue, or simply time to rest, you’ll be welcomed here with open hearts and open doors.