Sanctuary of Notre-Dame des Enfants

At the Sanctuary of Notre-Dame des Enfants: a retreat in the heart of Berry

In Châteauneuf-sur-Cher, a small town in the Cher nestled along the river of the same name, stands the Basilica of Notre-Dame des Enfants,the only sanctuary in France bearing this name. Built at the end of the 19th century at the initiative of the village priest, it has been for 150 years a great center of Marian devotion, where pilgrims young and old come to draw confidence from the words of the Gospel: "Let the little children come to me... the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like them" (Mark 10). It is at the foot of this building, with its instructive stained-glass windows and statuary dedicated to the saints of France, that the sisters of the Missionary Fraternity of the Holy Spirit welcome you today.

Guests are welcomed year-round, by request, individually or in groups, for all audiences. Young people can participate in the community's prayer life, in welcoming pilgrims, and in the outreach of the basilica; adults and families also find a setting conducive to renewal,formation, or simply a pause in silence.

The sisters lead a life of consecrated virgins in the spirit of Saint Dominic and Saint Catherine of Siena, forming a spiritual family oriented toward both contemplation and the proclamation of the Gospel.

At Notre-Dame des Enfants, the sisters of the Missionary Fraternity of the Holy Spirit

Founded in 2024, the community currently has eight sisters. Their life is primarily contemplative: it is nourished by Gregorian liturgy, the study of Scripture, and the thought of the great Thomistic masters. From this life of prayer flow works: catechism, teaching, participation in pilgrimages, and formation for young people, adults, and families. The sisters are committed to honoring the Holy Spirit in a special way, whose name they bear, and to living the works of mercy wherever they are sent. A recent community, then, but established in a place that has welcomed pilgrims for a century and a half, and heir to the Dominican tradition: a fine balance between newness and rootedness for a retreat.

The setting of a retreat with the Missionary Fraternity of the Holy Spirit

Here, hospitality is shaped by the rhythm of the community. Meals can be taken insilenceor accompanied by a reading from the sisters broadcast to the guest house — a simple moment, turned toward interiority. Throughout the day, an atmosphere of recollection is encouraged without ever being a constant constraint.

Accommodation is available for up to 15 people. A garden and a meadow provide space for solitude. Some youth groups even pitch their tents there. Three meeting rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a well-stocked lending library complete the welcome.

Pray with the sisters

Shaped by the Latin Mass, seven offices per day, and Gregorian chant, communal prayer is at the heart of the stay. During yourretreat, you are welcome to share in the sisters' prayer and discover the beauty of the liturgy, the Voice of the Church as Bride of Christ.

Deepen your faith

The sisters offer Thomistic formation on a variety of topics, as well as an introduction to lectio divina, the prayerful reading of the Word of God.

Meet the sisters and take part in the life of the community

• A meeting with the sisters is possible, whether on an individual retreat or as a group.
• Participation in gardening and small maintenance tasks, such as painting, is also possible.
• A three-day retreat for young women, organized at the end of December.

Activities around Notre-Dame des Enfants, Châteauneuf-sur-Cher

The sanctuary is located in the heart of Berry, at the geographic center of France, in theCentre-Val-de-Loireregion. Nearby attractions include:

• Châteauneuf-sur-Cher, crossed by several branches of the river, which will delight kayaking enthusiasts.
• The Cistercian abbey of Noirlac,20 minutes away by road, to discover another monastic tradition.
• The cathedral of Bourges and the Palais de Jacques Cœur,half an hour by car, two must-sees in the Cher department.