Golden Frontier tour directors send wonderful religious
items and crafts to The Gift Shop at San Damiano. These range from silver icons
from Russia and the Ukraine to Irish and Polish crystal. Armani statues from
Italy, wood carvings from Bavaria, and Byzantine hand painted lacquer boxes and
eggs from central Russian convents make beautiful and unique gifts.
Browse the gift shop
San
Damiano
is a real treasure, a place of beauty and quiet relaxation in Southern Illinois.
The two hundred acre site located
within the Shawnee National Forest
in Southern Illinois abounds in wildlife. Deer, turkey, and eagles are just a
few of nature that call San Damiano home. San Damiano is only a three
hour drive from St. Louis, five and one half hours south of Chicago, and
four hours north of Memphis.
Fully air-conditioned rooms
and suitesprovide every amenity.
Each suite has a private deck overlooking the Ohio River which flows at the base
of a two hundred foot cliff on which San Damiano is located. The Ohio River
flows past San Damiano and separates Illinois and Kentucky. San Damiano offers
its guests quiet walk ways through woods where white tail deer wander with their
fawns. Guests can visit the peaceful Blessed Mother's Prayer Garden or Garden of the Angels,
which has representations
of the Choirs of Angels. Outdoor Stations of the Cross also offer a
scenic way to remember the Passion of Our Lord.
Many people think vacation
must be a frantic and
busy sightseeing adventure. At San Damiano one can move at a slower pace and
relax in nature. However, for the more active there are a number of local
attractions all within a thirty minute drive.
In the Visitor Center you will find the registration office, a
religious gift center, religious art display, and dining room. Complimentary
deluxe continental breakfast is available to all overnight guests. The Visitor
Center Dining Room hosts a special Sunday church dinner on the first Sunday of
the month from Noon until 2:00PM.
Sunday church dinner reservations are advised, but not required. Other dinners and
lunches are served only by previous arrangement when groups are in residence.
The Conference Building houses a forty-five seat chapel.
This building also houses religious book and video libraries, conference and
meeting rooms, and a religious art display in mosaic and tapestry depicting religious icons.
What Is Available in Your Suite
Your suite has everything...except you and groceries. Each suite has individual
air-conditioning and heating, two queen size beds, remote control color
television, deck overlooking the Ohio River, light-blocking draperies,
comfortable easy chairs, completely furnished kitchen with gas stove and oven,
refrigerator, kitchen cook and bake ware, dishes and silverware. There is no
need to eat out in restaurants unless you want. Deluxe suites are larger units
featuring oversized jetted whirlpool tubs and separate showers in oversized
baths! A local super market and convenience store are only minutes away.
Although we don’t plan on its use, there is a hospital and emergency room only
seven miles from San Damiano.
San Damiano is built as a retreat for adults. There is no provision
for children. It is our belief that adults need a safe and quiet place
for rest, relaxation, and meditation. Therefore, it is not realistic to
have overnight guests under 18 years of age.
Local Attractions Near San Damiano
Fish all season on the Ohio River just a few feet from your cottage. A
newly constructed road leads from the Suites to the water’s edge of
the Ohio River.
Golf course at Cave-in-Rock State Park just minutes away.
Scenic attractions nearby include: Illinois Garden of the Gods, Iron Furnace,
Cave-in-Rock and Dixon Springs State Parks, Ponds Hollow and Rim Rock Federal
Recreation Areas and Golconda Marina.
Players Riverboat Casino at Metropolis and the Museum of the American Quilters
in Paducah, Kentucky are less than an hour drive away.
Your
Own Suite on the Ohio River Some lucky people have built a
nice cottage in the woods...the mountains...or on the lake where they can
retreat from the daily grind and routine. They have spent thousands of dollars
on construction, and have the responsibility of continuous maintenance. They are
responsible for grass cutting, property insurance, taxes, painting, repairs, and
the expense of monthly utility bills. While they have a wonderful retreat
in the woods, how lucky are they?
At San Damiano we have done all the work for you, paid all the bills,
mowed the lawn, and kept it safe and secure. All you have to do is call
us and we will have the place ready for you anytime you want. We will even
give you the same room or suite each time if you like. We will keep it up for
you and make certain that everything is working. It is yours for the asking,
as much, or as little as you want.
SAN DAMIANO RETREAT AND CONFERENCE CENTER AND SHRINE
OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
Home of the largest
bronze Christus of the Good Shepherd in the United States. Deluxe rooms and suites on the
225 foot bluffs overlooking the Ohio
River near Smithland Pool for individual or group retreats and conferences.
Peaceful prayer gardens with scenic walks located on almost 200 acres in Southern Illinois Shawnee National Forest.
San Damiano is specifically located 9 miles east of Golconda, IL and 2
miles south of the junction of Illinois routes 146 & 34; follow the
directional signs to San Damiano's entrance.
Golden Frontier tour directors send wonderful religious items and crafts to The Gift Shop at San Damiano. These range from silver icons from Russia and the Ukraine to Irish and Polish crystal. Armani statues from Italy, wood carvings from Bavaria, and Byzantine hand painted lacquer boxes and eggs from central Russian convents make beautiful and unique gifts. Browse the gift shop
San
Damiano
is a real treasure, a place of beauty and quiet relaxation in Southern Illinois.
In the Visitor Center you will find the registration office, a
religious gift center, religious art display, and dining room. Complimentary
deluxe continental breakfast is available to all overnight guests. The Visitor
Center Dining Room hosts a special Sunday church dinner on the first Sunday of
the month from Noon until 2:00PM.
Sunday church dinner reservations are advised, but not required. Other dinners and
lunches are served only by previous arrangement when groups are in residence.
Your
Own Suite on the Ohio River Some lucky people have built a
nice cottage in the woods...the mountains...or on the lake where they can
retreat from the daily grind and routine. They have spent thousands of dollars
on construction, and have the responsibility of continuous maintenance. They are
responsible for grass cutting, property insurance, taxes, painting, repairs, and
the expense of monthly utility bills. While they have a wonderful retreat
in the woods, how lucky are they?