Where to go on a spiritual retreat in Belgium?
by Claire 5 min read
Where to go on a spiritual retreat in Belgium?
Looking for a spiritual retreat in Belgium? The choice is wide, among mountains, hills, and valleys, you should find the monastic retreat that suits you.
Whether it is to discern, take a time of silence and pause away from your daily life, or simply discover monastic life from the inside, Belgian abbeys welcome you in an atmosphere of prayer and renewal.
Here is a short guide to help you find your way among all these beautiful places!
Leffe Abbey (Notre-Dame de Leffe)
Leffe Abbey is a Norbertine abbey, founded in the 12th century. The Norbertines are canons living according to the Rule of Saint Augustine and inspired by the charism of Saint Norbert. The pillars of their life are liturgical prayer, fraternal life, and pastoral service.
But you may know the abbey's name for another reason... the monastic brewing tradition of Leffe dates back to the 13th century and is still very much alive today!
Soleilmont Abbey (Notre-Dame de Soleilmont)
Welcome to Soleilmont Abbey! This is a Cistercian abbey, also very ancient as it dates back to the 13th century, but it looks brand new since it was rebuilt after a fire in 1963.
The Cistercian sisters of Notre-Dame de Soleilmont live according to the Rule of Saint Benedict, between prayer and work: they make hosts, breads, cookies, and also ceramics!
Notre-Dame de la Paix Abbey - Chimay
Notre-Dame de la Paix Abbey was founded in the 13th century by a noble couple, Hugues and Pétronille de Chaumont, in continuity with Gomerfontaine Abbey (in the French Vexin).
The community of nuns at Chimay belongs to the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance: they are known as Trappistines. Their spirituality is particularly focused on manual work and simplicity. At Chimay, the sisters make both textile items (such as liturgical vestments) and food products (don't hesitate to try their almond paste cookies!)
Orval Abbey
Another Trappist abbey, but this time with monks! Here again, the rule is ora et labora (pray and work), and when it comes to the labora part, the monks of Orval have great success with their delicious honey candies, their cheese, and their Trappist beer!
The abbey also regularly organizes retreats for different audiences, to discover monastic life, find renewal, or take time to reflect on particular questions. Silence and encounters will be part of the experience.
Maredret Abbey
Nestled in a green setting, Maredret Abbey is home to a community of twenty Benedictine sisters from different continents.
Since 1960, they no longer live in enclosure but according to a new charism of openness to the world, bearing witness to the love of Christ through the warm welcome they offer their guests.
A retreat at Maredret Abbey can also be an opportunity to discover illumination, Gregorian chant, or calligraphy!
Fraternité de Tibériade - Sisters' House
The sisters of the Fraternité de Tibériade, in the Belgian Ardennes, are a community with a Franciscan spirituality. Just like Saint Francis of Assisi, they wish to live in simplicity, prayer, and the joy of the Gospel!
Ten sisters live in a restored old farmhouse, behind which you can admire their blooming garden and their well-stocked vegetable patch!
They will welcome you in a family spirit for your retreat!
Chevetogne Monastery
Chevetogne Monastery is known for its ecumenical mission and its attention to dialogue between Eastern and Western Christian traditions. These Benedictine monks chant the offices according to both the Byzantine and Roman traditions!
They welcome retreatants with great warmth and offer those who wish it personal accompaniment to help them work through their questions.
The park and the silence during meals open the door to contemplation and inner recollection.
Banneux Priory - Brothers of Saint John
The priory is located a few hundred meters from the apparition chapel of Banneux, built after the "Virgin of the Poor", as she introduced herself, appeared to the young Mariette.
Since 1933, this Marian sanctuary has drawn pilgrims, especially the sick and the poor. The Brothers of Saint John, sometimes called the "little grays" and particularly devoted to Mary, welcome these pilgrims in their guest house.
Retreats are also preached at the priory several times a year, to allow those who wish to gather in recollection around a specific theme.
Notre-Dame au Cœur d'or Sanctuary of Beauraing
A few months before the apparitions at Banneux, the Virgin Mary appeared to 5 children at Beauraing, 33 times in all. During the final apparitions, she revealed her "golden heart" to them, hence the name of the place: Notre-Dame au Cœur d'or.
The sanctuary aims to be a place of unconditional welcome. Throughout the year, events and retreats are offered to help those who wish to enter into recollection and prayer, in groups or personally. Prayer groups, parishes, and schools can also come to experience a time of spiritual retreat.
As you can see, Belgian abbeys are waiting for you!