Little Sisters of the Lamb - Lyon
In Lyon, in the heart of the historic Croix-Rousse neighborhood, the Little Sisters of the Lamb have established their community since 2019 in a former rectory transformed into a monastery.
They invite young women 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
Initiated in 1974 in Vézelay, born from the friendship of several Dominican religious and a Franciscan brother, and rooted in a return to the original specificity of mendicant orders, the community of the Little Sisters of the Lamb was officially founded in 1981.
Today it has 180 sisters and 40 brothers spread across eight European countries (France, Austria, Spain, Italy, Poland), and North and South America (United States, Argentina, Chile).
Their model: the vulnerable Lamb. Their vocation: going to others empty-handed, and proclaiming their love for the most destitute.
Following the apostles, the Little Sisters of the Lamb travel through the streets of Lyon and its surroundings on foot or by hitchhiking and meet the men and women of our time by knocking on the doors of houses to ask for daily bread. Then the "sweet miracle of empty hands" (G. Bernanos) takes place: after the doors open, hearts open.
The Community of the Lamb in Lyon
In 2019, the Little Sisters of the Lamb built on the Croix-Rousse hill a monastery they call little monastery, which shines through the very simple life of the little sisters who live there, meaning a life of prayer, fraternal joy, and humble daily services.
Located on the site of the former rectory of Saint Elizabeth Church and near schools, high schools, and retirement homes, the little monastery is open to all passersby, the curious, walkers, and those thirsting for silence and beauty.
In the chapel whose doors are always open, monastic offices are sung morning and evening and even at night. The little sisters are happy to welcome to the little monastery all who wish to meet them, entrust an intention, simply chat, or joyfully participate in the monastery's upkeep.
What to expect during your stay
The sisters await you to share their daily life as little mendicant sisters, meaning a simple life that relies on encounter and sharing, far from the alienating comfort of overconsumption.
An individual spiritual retreat following the rhythm of the little mendicant sisters in Lyon
The little monastery welcomes:
- women for a weekend as well as several weeks according to each person's request. During these retreat times, young women are also invited to participate in the different services of the little monastery's life: cooking, cleaning, ironing, carpentry, gardening, etc.
- scout groups for the day
Guests are invited to participate in their prayer life by attending liturgical offices and daily Mass, by sampling Bible study, and by contemplating Jesus in the heart-to-heart of silent meditation.
The little sisters are always available for a time of fraternal listening and to pray for the intentions entrusted by those they welcome!
They also 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!
A peaceful place in the heart of Lyon (69)
Three rooms are reserved within the monastery itself for welcoming young women wishing to experience a retreat among the little sisters.
All meals are shared with the religious, but it is possible to take a meal in solitude in a parlor. During the day, the chapel is always accessible for personal prayer.
Geography and activities
Lyon (69), the Saône, the Croix-Rousse hill and the Monts d'Or
In the city of Lyon, the monastery is nestled, slightly set back, at the edge of the plateau of the Croix-Rousse hill, a stone's throw from the Saône. In a neighborhood that is both residential and working-class, near several parks including the large Cerisaie park.
If you pass by in the evening, on a clear night, you can admire the magnificent sunsets over the Monts d'Or. From the kitchen or library, eyes marvel at this flaming spectacle.
But here's a preview of places not to miss during your stay with the sisters:
- Discover Saint-Nizier Church and its crypt, the first chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Gaul in the second century
- Dive into medieval history with Saint-Martin-d'Ainay and old Lyon, then visit Saint-Jean Cathedral
- Climb the Croix-Rousse hill to discover the resistance of the Canuts, with a bonus Silk museum
- Explore Antiquity with sites such as the amphitheater of the Three Gauls and the Antiquaille museum
- Explore the times of the French Revolution with the commemorative chapel of the Glorious Cross, and relive the revolt of the people of Lyon.
End your journey at the majestic Fourvière Basilica, erected in honor of the Virgin Mary, who is said to have freed the people of Lyon from the Plague. Don't forget to admire the countless small statues of the Virgin Mary scattered along the streets.
Practical information
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