Carmel d'Ars
Located in the heart of the small village of Ars, about thirty kilometers from Lyon, in the Ain department (01), and a special place of pilgrimage for priests who come to pray to the Holy Curé of Ars, patron saint of all parish priests worldwide, stands a Carmel.
In this secluded place conducive to contemplation, the nuns of the Carmel of Ars live a life of prayer and sisterhood.
Retreats organized by the community
Brief history of the Carmel of Ars
The Carmel of Ars was founded in 1939 on the initiative of Mother Marie-Louise of the Immaculate Conception, a nun from the Carmel of Reims.
The monastery was thus blessed on December 8 under the dual protection of the Holy Curé of Ars and Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus. "In the heart of the Church, my Mother, I will be Love": To ensure this presence of love is the mission of the Carmelite nuns who have given their lives to God and who cultivate this in their life of contemplative prayer and sisterhood.
The Curé of Ars, also known as Saint Jean-Marie Vianney, was a French priest of the 19th century. Famous for his profound piety, his devotion to the Eucharist and his dedication, he was canonized in 1925. He has been venerated since as the patron saint of priests. This intention of sanctifying priests is particularly present in this Carmel of the Holy Curé of Ars!
The life of the Sisters at the Carmel today
The Order of Carmel has very ancient roots. As early as the twelfth century, hermits lived in the caves of Mount Carmel in the Holy Land in search of God. They were inspired by the prophet Elijah who, 800 years before Christ, exclaimed: "The Lord lives before whom I stand."
In the 16th century, Saint Teresa of Avila returned to this original inspiration of the Order and founded numerous Carmels. In these small communities, one seeks to live only for God, in solitude and silence, but also in intense sisterly life.
Life at the Carmel today is therefore a hidden life with Christ in God, entirely centered on him, in solitude and in sisterly life. It is therefore a life that rests on several pillars:
- A life of prayer: Silent prayer (mental prayer) is at the center of life at the Carmel. This prayer is an impulse of the heart that places each moment in the presence of God. Mental prayer allows the encounter and deep friendship with Jesus to grow in each person.
- A life in sisterly community: Community recreation time and feast days are important moments. The sisters are very different from one another in age, in their experiences before entering the Carmel, and in their interests. This acceptance of difference that they always experience together in the same place is a beautiful challenge for community life.
- A life of work: The sisters have daily tasks and craft activities: making altar breads, creating liturgical vestments, chasubles, albs, maintaining the vegetable garden, the orchard, etc.
What to expect during your stay
Experience a time of spiritual retreat at the Carmel of Ars
The Carmel welcomes young women for individual retreats who wish to discover life at the Carmel and discern a call to religious life. Please note that you will be welcomed outside the enclosure, meaning without sharing the life of the community but while participating in prayer times.
You can also benefit from spiritual guidance by a nun and help with manual work, gardening, sorting altar breads, etc.
A retreat time at the Carmel allows you to experience strong moments of silence, contemplation and a conducive pause to place yourself before God. Just steps away from the sanctuary of Ars, it is also an opportunity to place yourself under the protection of the Holy Curé!
A place conducive to meditation and rest
The sisters provide a simple room overlooking an outdoor garden specifically for retreatants and separate from the garden within their own enclosure.
Meals prepared by the nuns are taken in solitude in a small refectory. There is the possibility to access the chapel at any time during the day.
There is no library or meeting room but the sisters can lend books on the Carmelite charism and meant to nourish spiritual life.
Geography and activities
Ars, in the footsteps of the curé and beyond!
Here are some activities you can do in the town of Ars or in its surroundings:
- Visit the Basilica of Ars: The Basilica of Saint Sixtus is an impressive example of religious architecture. You can explore the interior of the church and learn more about the life of Saint Jean-Marie Vianney on this occasion
- Jean-Marie Vianney Museum: This museum allows you to discover the life and history of the Holy Curé of Ars. It contains a collection of personal objects, letters and artifacts related to his life
- Local market: If you visit the town on a market day, don't miss the opportunity to taste local products
- Discover the surrounding countryside: The surroundings of Ars offer beautiful hiking and walking opportunities. You can enjoy the peaceful nature of the region and the picturesque landscapes
- Visit the wine region: The Beaujolais region, located near Ars, is famous for its vineyards. You can do a wine tasting in one of the local cellars and discover the wines of the region
- Explore Trévoux: Trévoux, a small town located a few kilometers from Ars, is also worth a visit. You can visit the castle of Trévoux, walk along the Saône, or simply enjoy the charming atmosphere of the old town.
Practical information
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