Bouzy-la-Forêt Monastery
The community will be happy to welcome you to a peaceful place on the edge of the forest in the heart of Loiret, allowing you to take time for yourself, for rest, silence and sharing. Several times a year, we offer "spiritual pauses" for young people wishing to take time for rest and spiritual renewal.
During your stay, you will be invited to participate in a time of spiritual sharing and to join the community for prayer.
Retreats organized by the community
The Benedictine community of Notre-Dame du Calvaire in Bouzy
The Benedictine Congregation of Notre-Dame du Calvaire was founded in the early 17th century, following the Wars of Religion that divided Catholics and Protestants.
At the heart of the Council of Trent's concerns (1545-1563) were the reaffirmation of pastoral ministry and the restoration of monastic discipline through the great medieval religious rules, particularly the Rule of Saint Benedict dating from the 6th century. This led to the foundation of a first Benedictine community in Orléans at that time, which moved to Bouzy a few years later.
The Emerald Water of Bouzy-la-Forêt Monastery
To earn their daily bread, the sisters have a workshop where they distill Emerald Water, a skin and oral hygiene lotion made from honey and aromatic herbs.
The recipe was given by an apothecary to a sister when she entered the monastery, to thank her for the care she had given him when he was ill. He told her: "with this, your community will never lack bread."
You will quickly discover the benefits of Emerald Water as a compress or lotion for insect bites, scratches from gardening or cooking, or irritations and unfortunate bumps. To learn more about the artisanal production of this magical potion, watch this short France 3 report filmed in 2018!
What to expect during your stay
Making a spiritual retreat in Loiret at Bouzy-la-Forêt Monastery
Following the Benedictine tradition of hospitality, the sisters have a space reserved for guests wishing to find renewal in silence, listening to the Word of God and prayer, while enjoying the beautiful surrounding nature. For this purpose, the guest house offers about a dozen rooms and meal service.
The monastery guest house is open to individuals for spiritual renewal as well as to groups.
Apart from groups, the main retreatants are women and some couples. Men will find suitable accommodations at the nearby Fleury Abbey in Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire.
Preached retreat offerings throughout the year at Bouzy-la-Forêt
Two weekends per year are offered for recollections with a preacher, in autumn and spring.
A prayer initiation program is offered to interested young people, consisting of five spiritual pause weekends throughout the year.
For an extended spiritual retreat: the "monastic stopover" program
For young women wishing for a longer period of deepening to root their lives in Christ, to reflect and mature a life project, the community offers a "monastic stopover" providing spiritual formation, sharing in community life, spiritual guidance, and personal time for reading and relaxation. The sisters invite you to deepen fraternal life by living with them within the enclosure and sharing meals with them.
For a deeper spiritual retreat for young women: the "Entre-voir" program
If the monastic stopover interests you but your schedule is very busy, the nuns of Bouzy offer you an Entre-voir stay. Alone or with others, come spend 3 to 7 days at the guest house and experience a special time with the community.
Beyond being a simple retreat, the nuns offer you personalized accompaniment by a sister and the opportunity to participate more actively in community life through times of service and work.
Whether you wish to discover a spirituality, are questioning your vocation, or simply want to take a pause from your professional or student life, this customized program is ideal.
Geography and activities
Walks around the monastery
For those who enjoy walking or cycling, the surrounding forest offers many possibilities. Near the abbey, the following activities are also accessible:
- The organs of Lorris;
- The extraordinary Carolingian oratory of Germigny-des-Prés with its mosaic of the Ark of the Covenant.
Practical information
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