Maison Mère de Ploërmel Welcome Center
Located in Ploërmel, in the heart of Brocéliande country, the Mother House of the Brothers of Christian Instruction welcomes individuals and groups seeking a spiritual retreat, a Christian retreat, a time of renewal, quiet work, or training in a peaceful, green setting.
This warm and welcoming place is equally suited for prayer, remote work, or organizing recollections and spiritual weekends.
Retreats organized by the community
History and identity of the Mother House
Founded in 1824 by Jean-Marie de la Mennais and Gabriel Deshayes, the Mother House was established in a former Ursuline convent that had been confiscated and sold as national property during the French Revolution. It quickly became the living heart of the Congregation of the Brothers of Christian Instruction.
The anticlerical laws of 1903 marked a painful period: the buildings were confiscated despite courageous opposition from some soldiers. The Brothers were then forced into exile to Canada, England, Spain, and the Middle East. The site was eventually repurchased in 1908 by an English colonel, allowing its history to continue.
Today, the entire estate includes the religious community, the Congregation's administration, the Welcome Center, a vast wooded park, an astronomical clock dating from 1855, a museum dedicated to the founders, and a neighboring Mennaisian high school.
The Congregation of the Brothers of Christian Instruction
On November 16, 1824, Jean-Marie de la Mennais settled in Ploërmel, from where he spread throughout Brittany to found numerous schools at the request of parish priests and mayors. A visionary, he worked tirelessly for education accessible to all, integrating human, intellectual, and spiritual dimensions.
Consulted by Count de Falloux before the school law of 1850, he also participated in preparing the emancipation of slaves. Brothers were sent on missions to Martinique, Guadeloupe, Senegal, French Guiana, and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon.
In 1859, three Brothers left Ploërmel for French Polynesia: this was the last missionary departure before the founder's death in 1860.
Today, the Congregation numbers about 800 Brothers, present in 26 countries across five continents, with more than 130 young Brothers in formation. Their motto remains: "God alone," lived in a spirit of gentleness and firmness.
The local community and daily life
The Ploërmel community is composed of about fifteen religious. Most are retired from teaching and participate in park maintenance or the Congregation's administration.
The community welcomes guests to join them for communal prayer:
- Lauds at 7:00 a.m.
- Vespers at 6:00 p.m.
Visitors can also discover the meaning of liturgical offices and experience silence, conducive to interior reflection and listening.
What to expect during your stay
Welcome for retreatants and types of stays
The Mother House does not offer organized retreats directly, but welcomes:
- groups on spiritual retreats with their facilitator,
- training groups with their instructors,
- individuals seeking quiet for prayer, reflection, writing, or work.
Students can use equipped rooms for studying while enjoying the natural setting for relaxation or hiking.
It is always possible to meet with a Brother for a friendly or spiritual conversation.
The guest house and Welcome Center buildings
Completely renovated in 2023, the Welcome Center offers modern comfort in a spirit of simplicity:
- 10 training rooms (seating 8 to 80 people), equipped with video projection and wifi
- 1 large private hall seating 80 with kitchen, suitable for family events or youth camps
- 30 rooms with bathroom and toilet, including 13 double rooms (bed and bath linens provided)
- 1 dining room seating 80 with buffet (appetizers, hot dishes, desserts)
- 1 cafeteria accessible at all times (self-service breakfast)
- 1 large chapel, 1 oratory, and 1 crypt
- 1 vast park for walks, meditation, or sports
- Free parking inside the grounds.
Geography and activities
Geographic location and environment
Ploërmel is a vibrant small Breton town located in the heart of Brocéliande country, near Josselin and its medieval castle.
The town has numerous amenities (swimming pool, cinema, bowling) and preserves remarkable architectural heritage.
The cycling path connecting Saint-Malo to Rhuys passes through Ploërmel, making the Welcome Center a popular stop for cycling tourists. Despite its location in the town center, the site offers a surprisingly calm and green environment.
Activities and places to discover in the surrounding area
From the Welcome Center, it is easy to reach:
- Lac au Duc for walks or cycling,
- the forest of Brocéliande and its legendary trails,
- Vannes and the Gulf of Morbihan, accessible by car or bus.
Practical information
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