ABOUT US
INSPIRED FAITH FORMATION
Inspired by Opus Dei’s message of the universal call to holiness in the middle of the world, Walnut Grove awakens the feminine genius through specially-designed retreats, recollections, mornings for moms, and Christian doctrine classes that nourish the mind and spirit. Here you can gain the confidence needed to live faithfully as a Catholic woman capable of changing the world from wherever you are. The spiritual, human, apostolic, religious and professional formation we offer makes each woman capable of nurturing herself and others.
WALNUT GROVE AS A RESOURCE
Walnut Grove also serves as a digital platform for women in the Southwestern United States to acquire up-to-date information about the spiritual, human, apostolic, religious and professional activities we offer for women and girls in the greater Los Angeles area, San Diego and Orange Counties, Arizona and Nevada.
THE HOUR IS COMING, IN FACT
HAS COME, WHEN THE
VOCATION OF WOMEN IS
BEING ACKNOWLEDGED IN ITS FULLNESS, THE HOUR IN WHICH WOMEN ACQUIRE IN THE
WORLD AN INFLUENCE, AN
EFFECT AND A POWER NEVER HITHERTO ACHIEVED.
Closing Message, Vatican II, Dec 8, 1965
VISION
We believe in these prophetic words and we are here to make them a reality. We inspire and support women of all ages and backgrounds to become great influencers in creating and fostering a civilization of love, building a world more worthy of our human dignity and impacting change from the ground up and from the top down.
"That is why, at this moment when the human race is undergoing so deep a transformation, women imbued with a spirit of the Gospel can do so much to aid humanity ...."[1] We believe this aid to humanity begins in one's personal search for holiness at home, at work and in all facets of a women's social, psychological and civil life. We are here to carefully watch over the future of humanity, beginning in each one's "school of love," which is the family.
The principles of Catholic social doctrine drive every aspect of our mission. We believe in the beauty of collaboration borne in charity, bold individual actions carried out with integrity and courage, mutual respect for a plethora of truth-centered solutions, and responsible citizenship where each woman brings her hidden and apparent talents and capacities to best serve the world around her in a true spirit of freedom.
[1] Closing Message, Vatican II, Dec 8, 1965
MISSION
We offer spiritual, intellectual and cultural programs built on timeless, universal truths that inspire women to strive for personal holiness, professional excellence and deep, enduring relationships. Thus, women contribute to society through work that is of true service to others and capable of impacting lasting change. We run our programs with a cheerful conviction that encourages growth in virtue at every age, above all, those human and supernatural virtues that lead especially to friendship with God and others.
HISTORY
For decades, the growth of faith formation needs across the Los Angeles area made it appear that a physical site for larger groups of women to meet in was necessary. Thanks to an amazing effort that brought together women from all over Southern California and elsewhere, Walnut Grove was able to secure a building that fit the bill. Our home on East Broadway in San Gabriel served us nearly 20 years .
Now that we have been able to secure recollection sites in many Catholic churches and can host events in parks and other public places, (including the tennis court of Beverly Cultural Center during COVID), the need for a physical plant with so much overhead, has been deemed unnecessary. We continue to successfully serve women in the greater Los Angeles area and now have developed this digital platform to serve as a clearinghouse of information about Opus Dei activities by and for women all over the Southwest.