Mondaye Abbey
In Calvados, in the heart of the Norman countryside and not far from the historic D-Day landing beaches, you'll find Mondaye Abbey!
A jewel of classical architecture, it is a special place where about twenty canons live. They warmly welcome you to share in their prayer and enjoy the peaceful and refreshing setting!
Retreats organized by the community
A brief history of Saint-Martin de Juaye-Mondaye Abbey
Founded over 800 years ago, Saint-Martin de Juaye-Mondaye Abbey belongs to the Premonstratensian Order, a religious community where canons live (as an aside, the community celebrated its 900th anniversary in 2021!)
Rebuilt by the religious in the 18th century and undergoing extensive restoration campaigns for about twenty years, the abbey is a magnificent example of classical architecture. Let's be clear, the church is simply sublime!
However, this place is first and foremost a place of life and prayer! Indeed, a vibrant community leads a fraternal life here. Mondaye Abbey is home to nearly twenty Brothers today, aged 23 to 93.
The canons of the Premonstratensian Order at Mondaye Abbey
The Brothers of Mondaye Abbey form a community of canons regular that was founded by Saint Norbert in the 12th century, at a time when other communities were being established (Carthusians, Cistercians, Victorines...).
At the heart of a canon regular's life is fraternal life, which radiates in two ways, through liturgy (prayer) and through apostolate (study and teaching). This religious family's vocation is to live the ideal of the first Christian community in Jerusalem, described at the beginning of the Acts of the Apostles. Following Saint Augustine, who in the 5th century wrote what became "the Rule of Saint Augustine."
Today there are 1,500 Premonstratensian brothers and sisters across five continents. Currently, Mondaye Abbey comprises about forty canons regular, including 25 brothers at Mondaye. The other brothers are in the priories of Conques and Sarrance.
And to discover in more detail who these canons are, just read our article dedicated to them right here!
What to expect during your stay
Mondaye Abbey, a place of welcome for all
In a magnificent setting of typically Norman greenery and in the countryside, in calm and silence, the community welcomes you for a time of retreat, recollection, a session, a rest stay or study time.
All guests are welcome, alone or with family, men or women, adults or teenagers, and are accommodated in the different buildings dedicated to hospitality or at the camping areas.
Five times a day, from 7am to 8:30pm, it is possible to join the brothers in the abbey church for an office or at Mass. During your stay, spiritual guidance, a meeting with a brother or even retreat preaching are possible.
Experience a spiritual retreat in Calvados
To welcome you, the abbey offers four accommodation options:
- The guest house: 24 rooms (45 beds), with private bathrooms and toilets
- The pavilion (for hosting young people) : 24 rooms (48 beds)
- The Logis and the Ermitage (for groups, families or individuals) : two lodges (17 and 4 beds) in the buildings of the abbey's former farm
- The campground (for scouts): a field for pitching tents, playing and making fires within the abbey grounds
Oratories, a lounge, a private garden, as well as meeting rooms and work spaces, can be made available to you.
For any additional practical questions, the guest master is your main contact for organizing your entire stay!
Geography and activities
Calvados, its medieval towns and world-famous beaches
The abbey is located in the Calvados department, 5 miles from Bayeux, world-renowned for its tapestry depicting the story of the Norman conquest of England under William the Conqueror, as well as for its cathedral!
A bit further (9 miles from the abbey), the village of Creully and its 11th-century castle is also a destination not to be missed if you plan an outing from the abbey!
Finally, if you feel like taking a walk, you can enjoy the countryside surrounding the abbey! The Norman coastline is also nearby and offers the chance to breathe in some sea air or even take a dip in the ocean for the more adventurous!
Practical information
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