Mont-des-Cats Abbey
The Trappist monks of Mont-des-Cats Abbey invite you to come take time for a break and renewal between Lille and Dunkirk, and to discover Cistercian spirituality with them.
Come share times of prayer with the community and enjoy the climate of silence at the abbey. Pray, exchange, contemplate—that's the program for a stay at Mont-des-Cats Abbey, a true spiritual sanctuary in Flanders.
Retreats organized by the community
Mont-des-Cats Abbey, a historic landmark in northern France!
Halfway between Lille and Dunkirk, in the heart of Flanders, the hill of Mont-des-Cats (164 m) offers itself as a natural space for those seeking peace and renewal.
An Antonine monks' hermitage, established at Mont-des-Cats around the mid-18th century, had been abandoned since the French Revolution when, in 1826, the painter Nicolas Ruyssen from Hazebrouck offered the Trappists of Gard Abbey the opportunity to make a foundation there. A group of seven monks was sent.
After difficult beginnings, the small priory became prosperous enough to be elevated, in 1847, to the rank of an autonomous abbey.
Today, a community of about twenty brothers continues monastic life in prayer, work, and fraternal life.
Cistercian-Trappists at Mont-des-Cats
The Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance (also known as "Trappist") is a contemplative religious order made up of monasteries, monks, or nuns.
The monks of Mont-des-Cats belong to the great Cistercian family whose origins date back to 1098. As Cistercians, they live according to the Rule of Saint Benedict.
Life at the monastery is essentially contemplative. Personal and communal prayer holds a predominant place.
The monks of Mont-des-Cats Abbey make excellent cheeses. They invite visitors to stop by their shop of monastic crafts and regional products.
At the monastery, all talents are welcome and each brother works for the smooth running of the monastery, from the cheese dairy to accounting to maintaining the property..
What to expect during your stay
Why make a spiritual retreat at Mont-des-Cats?
The monks, faithful to the Cistercian tradition, welcome you to their guest house to let you take a break from your life, during a retreat, alone or with others, to step back from your journey and benefit (if you wish) from kind and fraternal listening.
At Mont-des-Cats you'll find an atmosphere of silence, solitude, contemplation in a setting of nature and countryside. The church is always accessible and the monks' liturgical offices are open to retreatants.
It's possible to meet with a monk during your stay to talk with him during a spiritual conversation.
What awaits you during your stay at Mont-des-Cats Abbey
The monastery's guest house includes:
- 23 rooms, including 10 double rooms on two floors, equipped with showers and bathrooms
- An oratory located on the 1st floor
- Wheelchair access with an elevator serving all floors
- A large English garden
In short, everything you need to enjoy nature to read, rest, and contemplate. The garden is rich with a collection of perennial plants and old-fashioned roses—an ideal setting to escape the tumult of daily life.
Geography and activities
The far north (59000), Hauts-de-France like you've never seen it
The abbey is located in the countryside. Walks are marked out around the monastery, the region being home to the Flanders hills, such as Mont Cassel (one of the most beautiful villages in France) or the well-known Mont Noir.
A bit farther, the rich territory of the Nord department also lets you discover beautiful places:
- The village of Cassel and its museum
- The windmills in the area
- The towns of Bailleul and Armentières a few kilometers away offer you a pretty belfry with carillon and a bit farther, in Belgium, you can visit Poperinghe or Bruges!
Practical information
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