Little Brothers of the Lamb - Lyon
In Lyon, on the banks of the Saône, in the working-class Vaise district, the Little Brothers of the Lamb have established their "fraternity" since 2019 in a former rectory.
They invite young men who wish (ages 18-30) to experience their daily life, a life of humble service, prayer, and mendicant mission.
Retreats organized by the community
Brief history of the Community of the Lamb
The "Community of the Lamb" was founded in France, in 1981 the "Little Sisters of the Lamb," then in 1990 the "Little Brothers of the Lamb," in the tradition of the mendicant orders, following in the footsteps of Saint Dominic and Saint Francis of Assisi. In January 1983, the first community was founded in a disadvantaged neighborhood of Perpignan.
Today it is an international community: the Little Sisters, numbering around 170, are present in 18 fraternities; the Little Brothers, who number around forty, in 8 fraternities in Europe and the Americas. Their common language is French.
The day after his election, during a meeting with the Community, Pope Francis, who had welcomed us to Buenos Aires in 1994 when he was archbishop there, gave us this encouragement: "Thank you for what you do in the Church. John Paul II and Pope Benedict insisted: more than teachers, we need witnesses. You have a great capacity to be witnesses. Pure grace. Keep it. The witness of your life through prayer, liturgy, asking for daily bread, hitchhiking is a witness of poverty and joy. For this, people love you and I want to thank you very much for that." (Pope Francis, March 15, 2013).
The Community of the Lamb in Lyon
The Little Sisters, present in Lyon since 2013, live in the small "Light of the Immaculate" monastery, on the Croix-Rousse plateau. The Little Brothers, who arrived in 2015, live in the rectory of Saint-Charles-de-Serin church, on the banks of the Saône.
There they lead a life they hope will be joyful, humble, and fraternal, founded on liturgical prayer and constant meditation on the Word of God.
They are also sent out two by two as pilgrims and mendicants, through the streets and squares, to meet the poorest and everyone, to witness to the joy that animates them, following in the footsteps of Saint Dominic of Guzmán (1170-1221) and Saint Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) and thereby proclaim the Good News of Jesus, the Lamb of God.
The Little Brothers welcome young men (ages 18-30) for a time of encounter with the Lord, by simply sharing their daily life: times of listening to the Word of God, fraternal friendship, and abandonment to Providence. All this in a setting of silence, in the heart of a dynamic city.
What to expect during your stay
The Little Brothers await you to share their daily life as mendicant brothers, meaning a poor life based on encounter and sharing, far from comfort and overconsumption.
An individual spiritual retreat at the rhythm of the mendicant Little Brothers in Lyon
Intended for young men (ages 18-30), the individual or group retreats (maximum four people) are an invitation to come share their daily life:
- life of prayer
- life of fraternal service
- life of mendicant mission
The Little Brothers regularly organize (particularly during Advent in December or during Lent, before Easter) themed stays organized for young people with teachings, times of sharing, silence, service, cooking, and surprises!
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A typical daily schedule for a Little Brother
From 5:45 a.m. to 10 p.m., the Little Brothers are busy throughout the day. Here's a typical day:
- 5:45 a.m.: wake up.
- 6:30-8:15 a.m.: morning prayer.
- 8:15-9:00 a.m.: breakfast.
- 9:00-10:00 a.m.: study.
- 10:00-11:30 a.m.: service.
- 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: midday prayer or Mass.
- 12:30-6:00 p.m.: lunch or mendicant mission in the city then service.
- 6:00-7:45 p.m.: evening prayer or Mass.
- 8:00-10:00 p.m.: dinner or mission among the poorest in the city, then Compline.
Retreats for young people, men and women (ages 18-30)
The Little Brothers also organize throughout the year, together with the Little Sisters, 3 retreats open to young people (ages 18-30), men or women: generally in the fall, around New Year's, and at the beginning of Lent. The program includes teachings, times of sharing, silence, service, cooking, and surprises!
Geography and activities
Experience poverty during a spiritual retreat in Lyon
A retreat time at the Community of the Lamb is hardly like a time of tourist discovery. In the heart of Lyon, it is recommended to devote yourself entirely to the activities offered by the Little Brothers in order to fully experience poverty and mendicancy.
However, you can certainly plan to dedicate a certain number of days to your retreat, and a few days, before or after, to discover Lyon: Notre-Dame de Fourvière, Old Lyon, Parc de la Tête d'Or, the Confluence district, Gerland Stadium, Lafayette Bridge, or the banks of the Rhône!
A monastic community in the heart of Lyon (69)
The city of Lyon, "capital of Gaul," has preserved beautiful remnants of Roman antiquity (theaters and Fourvière museum, etc.) It was in this city that the first Christian community in France was established, of which Saint Irenaeus is the principal witness. It was also this city that knew the first martyrs of France: Saint Blandina and her companions, put to death in the amphitheater of the Three Gauls.
The La Croix-Rousse district is itself a relatively well-known place, marked by its working-class past. Indeed, it was the district of the canuts, silk workers. You will discover the Maison des Canuts as well as the Fresque des Canuts which will help you better understand the history of these workers whose name remains associated with three revolts (1831, 1834, and 1848).
In the Old Lyon district (3km from the Fraternity of the Lamb), you will discover the magnificent Saint-Jean Cathedral. While wandering through the streets of Old Lyon, you will also encounter a characteristic element of Lyon architecture: the traboules, narrow passages between two blocks of buildings.
Another unmissable religious monument: the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Accessible by stairs for the most courageous or by funicular for those who wish, the basilica will surprise you with the richness of its interior decoration. You can also enjoy a unique panorama of Lyon and the Alps.
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