Prieuré Notre-Dame des Eaux Vives

Since 2009, the Sisters of the New Alliance have welcomed retreatants to the Prieuré Notre-Dame des Eaux Vives, near the sanctuary of Montligeon, in the heart of the Perche (Normandy), in a calm, peaceful, and restorative setting.

History of the priory and spiritual retreat in La Chapelle-Montligeon

The community, relatively recent, was founded by one of its sisters, Mother Marie-Aimée. It was established as a public association of the faithful with a view to becoming an institute of religious life by Bishop Dubigeon, bishop of Séez, on September 14, 1994.

In 2006, a major construction project was launched with the agreement and blessing of Bishop Boulanger to allow for a permanent establishment in the village of La Chapelle-Montligeon, in the heart of the Perche. The first priory,Notre-Dame des Eaux Vives, was inaugurated on June 1, 2009.

Today, the community continues the momentum of its founding, with the desire to spread Eucharistic life,particularly in rural areas, in the hope of new vocations and future foundations.

Located in the heart of the Perchecountryside, immediately adjacent to the Réno-Valdieu forest, this place offers an ideal setting for a spiritual retreat in Normandy, conducive to inner renewal, far from the bustle of the city.

Religious community and daily life at the priory

The community, family-sized (currently seven sisters), leads a missionary life rooted in deep contemplative prayer.It follows in the spiritual footsteps of Paul of the Cross (18th century), founder of the Passionist congregation, and of Gemma Galgani.

Centered on the mystery of the Eucharist, daily life is structured around:

• Eucharistic adoration(a communal time at the end of the day),
• the Liturgy of the Hours,
• lectio divina(prayerful reading of the Bible).

Outside times of apostolate, activities take place in an atmosphere of silence, conducive to an inner encounter with God.

The days alternate between:

• missions at the sanctuary of Notre-Dame de Montligeon,
• accompaniment of people in suffering,
• daily tasks (cooking, gardening, maintenance),
• craft work (jams, bookbinding, items offered for sale).

The day begins at 7:30 a.m. with Lauds and ends around 9:00 p.m. after Compline and the Office of Readings. The liturgy is sung in French and accompanied on the psaltery.

Types of spiritual retreats offered in Normandy

The priory welcomes anyone wishing to experience a Christian retreat, whether a believer or a seeker, in a peaceful and welcoming setting.

Various stays are offered:

• a study stay for female students (with the possibility of joining the offices),
• a "live my life" stay to discover religious life
• an individual spiritual retreat "à la carte",
• Spiritual Exercises following the tradition of Saint Paul of the Cross
• a rest stay.

Guests may benefit from spiritual guidance, participate in certain times of prayer, or occasionally contribute to manual activities as needed.

The Perche region, ideal for a spiritual retreat in nature, offers many opportunities for walks and activities.

Accommodation and hospitality for a spiritual retreat

The priory welcomes primarily women, priests, and consecrated persons, alone or in small groups (maximum three people).

Accommodation includes:

• an independent house with five single rooms (individual washbasin),
• a kitchen available for use,
• a garden accessible to guests.

Two small apartments are also available, each comprising:

• a living area with kitchenette,
• a bedroom,
• a bathroom with shower and toilet.

Meals can be taken with the community when possible, or provided as a packed lunch. A kitchen is available for those who prefer to be self-sufficient.

Please note:the premises are not accessible to people with reduced mobility and do not have Wi-Fi, in order to encourage a true digital detox.

Environment and natural setting in Normandy

The priory is located in La Chapelle-Montligeon, in the Orne department, in the Normandy region (diocese of Séez), in the heart of the Perche regional nature park.

Nearby:

• Réno-Valdieu forest,
• the hills of the Perche,
• a village of around 500 inhabitants,
• 45 minutes from Alençon,
• about 130 km from Paris.

This unspoiled natural setting is particularly well suited to a spiritual retreat away from the city, in the silence and beauty of creation.

Activities and points of interest nearby

Guests can easily discover:

• the sanctuary of Notre-Dame de Montligeon(a 4-minute walk),
• many hiking trails, including the GR22,
• an equestrian center in the village,
• several villages of character: Mortagne-au-Perche, Bellême, La Perrière,
• Tourouvre and its museum of emigration to Canada,
• the Louis and Zélie Martin sanctuary in Alençon,
• the sanctuary of Lisieux(about 1.5 hours away).