Monastic Fraternities of Jerusalem - Strasbourg
In the very heart of Strasbourg, the brothers of the Monastic Fraternity of Jerusalem established their community to bring the message of Christ alive in the city.
You can spend a few days in a historically rich building now listed as a remarkable site on UNESCO's World Heritage list.
Retreats organized by the community
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A community in the heart of the city
The monastery is founded on the site of a former convent of Dominican sisters, later transformed by the Commandery of Saint John (which became the Order of Malta) in the very center of Strasbourg.
The building, registered as a remarkable site in the new UNESCO World Heritage area, is the last remnant of a much larger complex destroyed during the bombing of Strasbourg in 1944.
The space cleared after this bombing allowed for the creation of a small peaceful square in the center of Strasbourg. City dwellers love coming here to rest and relax. The community arrived at this location on September 14, 1995 to establish an oasis of prayer and respond to the call of Archbishop Brand of Strasbourg.
To dig an oasis of prayer in the desert of cities is the vocation of the Monastic Fraternities of Jerusalem. Monks and nuns in the city, this oasis reflects God present in the heart of the world like a hidden spring, capable of quenching the deepest spiritual thirst. The brothers are happy to live this spiritual adventure, centered on seeking God, among city dwellers, close to them and with them.
Brothers who live for the love of God
Fraternities : Near Saint John's Church live two communities, one of brothers, the other of sisters. Monks and nuns gather 3 times daily for polyphonic sung offices, at the crossroads of Western and Eastern Christian traditions.
The brothers pursue professional work outside to share what everyone experiences, to be missionaries as well, and to provide for their needs. They also organize other events connected with young people, with the faithful who pray with them, etc.
Monastic : Following the first monks who left everything to seek God, the brothers try to answer this call to a life of simplicity and prayer, letting themselves be guided by the Gospel. Consecrated celibacy invites them to stake their entire lives on welcoming God's love, and community life pushes them to put into practice this love that comes from God.
Jerusalem : The brothers lead this life of contemplation in the heart of the contemporary world, in major cities. And the name "Jerusalem," because in the Bible it symbolizes God's presence among people.
What to expect during your stay
Living a retreat with the brothers
The community welcomes only men (adults) who wish to live a time of spiritual renewal. According to needs, the brothers can:
- provide spiritual guidance, introduce the method of Bible reading (lectio divina)
- accompany retreatants in understanding the Bible
- explain their liturgy
- offer a retreat to grow in one's relationship with Christ and renew the grace of one's baptism.
They also welcome people who wish to study for exams.
During your stay and depending on your availability, you can participate in a service (cooking, cleaning, shopping,...). The brothers are committed to receiving people who wish to live a true retreat and not do tourism. Depending on the time of year, you may also be able to participate in preached retreats led by the brothers!
Taking a break in Strasbourg
3 rooms are available. The rooms are simple (a bed, a work space, and a washbasin area).
Guests have the freedom to go to the oratory, the community library, or one of their reception rooms. Guests are asked to follow the community's rhythm by participating in the offices as much as possible, to be present at mealtimes (self-service or communal depending on the day), and to maintain a spirit of silence in the fraternity.
Note: Only men are admitted. If you are a group, the brothers can welcome you for one day
Geography and activities
What to do around the monastery of the Monastic Fraternity of Jerusalem
The monastery is located in the very center of Strasbourg (European capital and Christmas capital !!!) on the banks of the Ill (the waterway that surrounds Strasbourg's central island)
The city offers many activities:
- visit the cathedral, museums, European institutions, the old town (Petite France), etc.
- several squares on the edge of Strasbourg, bodies of water, walks along the Rhine, etc.
- numerous bike paths (everything can be done very easily by bike!)
- hiking in the Vosges mountains (40 minutes by car)
- and many other possibilities!
If you want to head east but into the countryside, you can visit the Verdun Carmel or Cîteaux Abbey.
Practical information
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