Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey
A masterpiece of human genius and millennial center of monastic life and pilgrimage, Mont-Saint-Michel and its abbey stand in a unique landscape where light constantly plays with the sand, salt marshes, and sea…
Since 2001, the Monastic Fraternities of Jerusalem have been living their monastic life at Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey, which is state-owned and managed by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux. They welcome visitors and pilgrims and invite them to pray with them.
Retreats organized by the community
Mont-Saint-Michel: A millennial abbey and major pilgrimage site
In the 8th century, Saint Michael appeared in a dream to Bishop Saint Aubert and asked him to build a sanctuary in his honor on the rocky islet of Mont Tombe. Twelve canons established a presence of prayer in this place which would become Mont-Saint-Michel.
In 966, Duke Richard I of Normandy installed Benedictine monks on the Mont who began construction of the abbey and its Romanesque church. The Mont then became an essential pilgrimage site in the Christian West. Pilgrims came to ask Saint Michael for protection and the salvation of their souls.
During the Hundred Years' War, and despite the numerous conflicts that took place in the region, Mont-Saint-Michel resisted the English. It then became a symbol of victory for the Kingdom of France. From the Revolution onwards, the abbey was transformed into a prison. At its closure in 1863, it was very dilapidated, but the concept of heritage emerged and, as early as 1874, the abbey was classified as a Historic Monument. Restoration work was launched, enabling it to welcome pilgrims and visitors.
Following the celebration of the monastic millennium in 1966, a small community of Benedictine monks settled at the abbey. In 2001, the brothers and sisters of the Monastic Fraternities of Jerusalem replaced this community and ensure a religious presence of prayer and hospitality at the abbey.
The Monastic Fraternities of Jerusalem at the abbey
Fraternities: At Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey, two communities, one of monks and one of nuns, are present and gather three times a day for daily prayer (divine offices, Mass) sung in polyphony, at the crossroads of Western and Eastern Christian traditions. They also each provide monastic hospitality.
Monastic: Following the first monks who left everything to seek God, the brothers try to respond to this call through a simple fraternal life of prayer and work, letting themselves be guided by the Gospel.
Jerusalem: The brothers lead a life of contemplation at the heart of the contemporary world. In the Bible, the name "Jerusalem" evokes the presence of God among people.
What to expect during your stay
Live a time of spiritual retreat with the brothers of Jerusalem
During a 4-6 day guided retreat, the brothers will welcome you to share their daily life and their experience of God.
Participation in the liturgical offices, engagement with Sacred Scripture, and sharing part of their community life will structure your day.
In an atmosphere of silence, you can take personal time for prayer and reflection. Spiritual guidance by a brother will be available.
The brothers also welcome people who would like to study for exams.
Personalized hospitality in a privileged setting
The brothers welcome single men, couples, or small groups in their guest house: individual men, couples, families, or small groups. During your stay, you will be lodged in the Stella Maris residence located in the village. It includes:
- a common room and a small kitchen,
- 5 rooms (4 double rooms and one single room): they are furnished with sobriety and simplicity, in a monastic style. The bathroom and toilets are on the landing,
- An oratory and private gardens, terraced and away from the flow of visitors, will be accessible to you.
Good physical health is necessary (300 steps to climb several times a day to reach the abbey church, it's demanding!).
Geography and activities
Mont-Saint-Michel: The bay, the village, the abbey
If you want to make a retreat in Normandy, Mont-Saint-Michel is the most iconic place to visit. However, there are many other absolutely magnificent places to go, we invite you to read our article: where to make a retreat in Normandy, to discover them.
The rocky islet rises in the middle of a bay with the greatest tidal range in Europe. Connected to the mainland by a bridge walkway, Mont-Saint-Michel with its spring tides and its abbey is a major tourist attraction.
Many activities are therefore possible:
- Crossing the bay (or a bay outing) with a certified guide,
- Visiting Mont-Saint-Michel: its village and its ramparts (with a tour guide), the abbey (independently or with a tour guide),
- Possible excursions and hikes to discover the natural areas and shores of Mont-Saint-Michel,
- And many other possibilities!
However, the brothers are committed to welcoming people who wish to experience a genuine retreat (as a time of disconnection from ordinary demands for a reconnection with our spiritual resources in the light of Christian faith). If while preparing your stay, one of these activities interests you, discuss it with the guest master. He will be able to advise you.
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Practical information
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