Enjoy a time of rest in an exceptional setting
In this article
Christmas.. Ah Christmas. The city lights, the tree we decorate, the mulled wine and cinnamon, lots of cinnamon (too much cinnamon?).
Yes, for many people, Christmas is the highlight of winter, the promise of festive moments and the prospect of a happy new year.
However, Christmas is also the stress of gift-giving, conversations with that old uncle at the end of the table asking you about your love life, and negotiations worthy of major diplomatic summits to decide which family will host Christmas Eve.
So we wonder why. Why so much care given to this celebration? What is the meaning of all this energy devoted to December 25th? Why do we open each door of our advent calendar while impatiently waiting to discover the last one? What to do at Christmas?
At RITRIT, we thought it would be interesting to go back to basics. To understand why for 2,000 years, Christians have celebrated the birth of a small child in a stable in Bethlehem.
In this article, we invite you to discover abbeys and retreat centers that offer you the experience of a different kind of Christmas, far from the world's bustle, making this celebration a true moment of rest and contemplation, away from the agitation of the world.
There's something for everyone, from Benedictine abbeys to spiritual centers, for families and individuals, from North to South and East to West, an overview of the offerings on RITRIT.
Places to make a spiritual retreat at Christmas
Notre-Dame de Laghet Sanctuary (La Trinité, 06340)
We start this article with the Notre-Dame-de-Laghet sanctuary. A stone's throw from Cannes and the sea, in an exceptional setting of scrubland and small villages, come spend Christmas with the Benedictine Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre (yes, the same ones from Paris).
The sisters have prepared a versatile program that blends moments of contemplation, teachings, and practical workshops. Everyone is welcome, young and old, for a weekend of rest and joy!
Foyer de charité de Roquefort (Roquefort-les-Pins, 06330)
We stay in the South with the Foyer de charité de Roquefort, which is organizing a silent retreat for Christmas this year. Imagine, 6 days of quiet to reflect on the year.
Identifying what worked, what needs to be revised, all while being accompanied by teachings just before Christmas.
Broussey Carmelite Monastery (Rions, 33410)
Heading to Bordeaux, to the Carmelites of Broussey. As you can see below, these religious may not have much hair, but they have big hearts!
These religious are the pros of pros when it comes to preached retreats, meaning a stay with teaching sessions. Come take 4 days to sit at the feet of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux and learn how to prepare for Christmas with this great Christian figure.
Teachings, spiritual guidance by the brothers, and times of meditation await you at Broussey!
- "Wait, that's crazy!"
Notre-Dame du Chêne Sanctuary (Vion, 72300)
Notre-Dame du Chêne is a Marian sanctuary (that is, a pilgrimage site dedicated to Mary), entrusted to the community of Brothers of Saint John. This community has placed emphasis on prayer, hospitality, and ecology!
For two days, come take a time of silence in this green haven, in the heart of Sarthe, to catch your breath at the rhythm of the brothers for whom shared fraternal life holds particular importance.
Places to make a spiritual retreat during Advent
Is Christmas already booked in your calendar? Then why not take a break during Advent, in December?
Saint-Benoit Priory (Paris, 75018)
Montmartre! Everyone knows Montmartre, the basilica perched on its hill, watching over Parisians. But did you know that the Benedictines to whom this sanctuary is entrusted welcome you?
During Advent, they invite you to visit them for a day. This short offering can allow the busiest among us to take that break that will help them rediscover Christmas in the heart of the city.
La Clarté-Dieu Spiritual Center (Orsay, 91400)
The La Clarté-Dieu spiritual center is a Franciscan spirituality center just outside Paris that has planned for Advent to help you discover Christmas through biblical characters. Mary, Joseph, John the Baptist, how their lives illuminate the night of Jesus's birth.
In-depth formation and rest are on the program!
Sainte-Lioba Abbey (Simiane-Collongue, 13109)
For our city dwellers in the South, we invite you to discover Sainte-Lioba Abbey between Marseille and Aix. Sainte-Lioba is a community made up of Benedictine monks and nuns who are preparing an Advent retreat for you consisting of teachings, rest, and even artistic activities! We'll let you visit their page to understand!
Pause at the monastery
This year, RITRIT is partnering with the "Pause at the monastery" days. This initiative aims to help people discover monastic life during a dedicated time when religious have prepared a special program for young people!
This year some dates fall during the Advent weekends, in December! So, if you don't know yet what to do in the coming weeks, we do 😎!
Solesmes Abbey (Solesmes, 72300)
At Solesmes, no preached retreat for Advent, but a place where it's good to stop and catch your breath. A stone's throw from Notre-Dame-du-Chêne sanctuary, this is where Benedictine monks perpetuate the tradition of Gregorian chant. Take advantage of this timeless place that's accessible by train to rediscover your inner life and perhaps chat with a monk?
Saint-Martin-de-Mondaye Abbey (Mondaye, 14250)
Normandy, does that appeal to you? In Calvados stands Mondaye Abbey, over 800 years old. There, the canons of the Premonstratensian Order are established and welcome retreatants for a time of renewal. These religious have at heart to live fraternity and are committed to teaching. Again, it's a great opportunity as Christmas approaches to go talk with them!
To conclude, we wanted to tell you that beyond the places presented here, you can discover other locations that will welcome you on our map of places!
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