Little Brothers of the Lamb - Saint Pierre
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In the countryside of Saint-Pierre, in the heart of Lauragais, near the tiny village of Plavilla (in Aude), the Little Brothers of the Lamb have gradually built their "little monastery" since 1993. They invite men who wish (18-30 years old) to experience their daily life, placing the Gospel at the heart, through prayer, fraternal life and humble service.
Retreats organized by the community
The "little monastery" of Saint-Pierre
In 1993, the Little Brothers and Little Sisters of the Lamb received the land of Saint-Pierre. In this secluded place, which was originally a sheep barn, they gradually built several "little monasteries" in the woods. They lead a life they wish to be joyful, humble and fraternal, based on liturgical prayer and meditation on the Word of God.
In this place, all the Little Brothers and Little Sisters on mission throughout the world gather for Holy Week or in summer. In short, Saint-Pierre is like a large "family home" for the community. The brothers are regularly sent out two by two as pilgrims and mendicants, through the streets and squares, to meet the poorest and everyone, to witness the joy that animates them in their faith.
The Little Brothers of the Lamb in Plavilla
In 1981, the "Little Sisters of the Lamb" were founded, soon followed by the "Little Brothers of the Lamb" in 1990. This order is in the lineage of 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 about 175, are present in 18 fraternities.
- The Little Brothers number about forty, in 8 fraternities in Europe and the Americas.
The day after his election, during a meeting with the community, Pope Francis, who had welcomed them to Buenos Aires in 1994 when he was archbishop there, gave them 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).
What to expect during your stay
Your retreat in Plavilla with the Little Brothers of the Lamb
All year round, the Little Brothers welcome men (18-30 years old) for a time of encounter with the Lord, by simply sharing their daily life: time listening to the Word of God, fraternal friendship and abandonment to Providence. All this in a setting of silence, in the heart of nature.
The Little Brothers await you to share their daily life as mendicant little brothers, a fraternal life made of service and prayer, that is to say a simple life that rests on encounter and sharing, far from comfort and overconsumption.
Throughout the year, the Little Brothers organize several retreats open to men (18-30 years old). Generally, they take place during Advent, at the beginning of Lent, during Holy Week (triduum) and one week in summer. On the program: teachings, liturgies, times of sharing, silence, service, cooking...
Twice a year (in November and June), they offer a week of work and prayer, open to all (18-88 years old!), to help them maintain their land and buildings.
How does a retreat with the Little Brothers of the Lamb unfold?
Designed for men (18-30 years old), individual retreats are an invitation to come and share their daily life:
- Participation in the liturgical life of the Little Brothers (at least several times a day)
- Participation in fraternal life, for example by being available for services: cooking, gardening, small maintenance projects...
- Personal time to read the Word of God, personal reading, prayer…
- Possibility of speaking with a Little Brother priest.
- Walking possible on the monastery grounds and in the surrounding countryside.
Geography and activities
Come and meet the Little Brothers of the Lamb between Toulouse and Carcassonne.
A retreat time at the Community of the Lamb is hardly like a time of tourist discovery. During your stay, it is recommended to dedicate yourself entirely to the activities offered by the Little Brothers in order to fully experience poverty and prayer.
However, you can certainly plan to dedicate a few days, before or after your retreat, to discover the region. The charming medieval town of Mirepoix is only 10 minutes away by car and the citadel of Carcassonne is 45 minutes away.
The region around Saint-Pierre: a historical and cultural richness
The region is full of beautiful hiking trails and lodges to complete your stay. Saint-Pierre is at the heart of a region rich in history and culture!
Just 10 minutes away is the charming medieval town of Mirepoix, with its famous arcades and colorful market!
45 minutes away, the citadel of Carcassonne, a jewel straight out of the Middle Ages, needs no introduction!
Finally, Toulouse, capital of Occitanie, is just an hour away.
Practical information
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