Notre-Dame Saint-Eustase Abbey
Located 20 kilometers from Maylis Abbey, in the heart of the Landes countryside, Notre-Dame - Saint-Eustase Abbey and its community of Benedictine sisters welcome you for times of spiritual renewal in a setting conducive to contemplation and interiority!
Retreats organized by the community
The long and beautiful history of Notre-Dame - Saint-Eustase Abbey
The community was founded in 966 (yes, you read that right, over 1,050 years ago!) in Lorraine, near Metz, in the village of Vergaville. A final move brought it to the Landes in 1934.
After occupying the Poyanne château for many years, the community settled in this small Chalosse village in 1985, in a manor house that gradually transformed into a monastery. The abbey church was consecrated in 1989. The conventual buildings have retained the family style of the original house, while allowing for true monastic life withdrawn from the world, according to the precepts of Saint Benedict whose Rule they follow.
In 1948, the community joined the Congregation of Saint Mary of Monte Oliveto, through the monks of Maylis, who came to settle just a few kilometers away at the same time, and who belong to this monastic family called the "Olivetan Benedictines". The Olivetan congregation was founded in 1344 by a Sienese nobleman, Saint Bernardo Tolomei. He placed the Benedictine community under the special patronage of the Virgin Mary, and took the white habit in her honor.
The Benedictine sisters of Saint-Eustase today
The sisters' life is that of simple Benedictine nuns: a family life where they are gathered by a common call, under the guidance of a Mother Abbess and the protection of the Virgin Mary. Although the Benedictine sisters live withdrawn from the world, they remain welcoming to those who visit, and are animated by the beauty of chants and prayers, as well as by manual work.
According to the "Ora et Labora" rule initiated by Saint Benedict in the 6th century, the sisters' life is balanced between prayer and work. The community's main activity consists of maintaining an orchard and vegetable garden with which they produce apple juice and jams, a workshop for nativity figures (in partnership with their friends at Jouarre Abbey), and a workshop for making religious habits for other communities.
Currently, the community numbers 10 sisters. It is placed under the patronage of Saint Eustase, a 6th-7th century monk, successor to Saint Columban at the head of Luxeuil Abbey. His relics arrived at Vergaville Abbey in the 11th century, and worked so many miracles that a hospital was created next to the monastery, to welcome pilgrims and the sick (notably the "energumens," the name given to epileptics). Such deep roots in history are a rich heritage that the sisters are committed to nurturing.
What to expect during your stay
Spiritual retreats for all tastes
People who wish to experience a time of personal retreat and find renewal are welcome in the abbey's guest house, for a night or a week.
Guests will have the chance to attend beautiful Masses and offices sung daily in Gregorian chant. Outside of work or personal prayer times, the sisters gather seven times a day for the celebration of the Divine Office, from 7:00 AM for Lauds to 9:00 PM for Vigils.
If they wish, guests can have a conversation with a sister, and offer services, according to the abbey's needs. Moreover, there's no shortage of activities: garden maintenance, clearing land, fruit picking, various repairs, sewing...
In addition to individual retreats, the community organizes once or twice a year spiritual halts for female students and young professionals on the theme of femininity. One of these is scheduled for August 21-26, 2022. The abbey also receives independent groups, up to 25 people.
For retreats longer than a week, the abbey makes available a three-bedroom apartment above the porter's lodge for young women who want to study for exams, prepare for a competitive examination, write a thesis, or discern an important decision. A small studio on the ground floor of this building also allows the abbey to welcome a priest seeking renewal.
Once you arrive for your stay at Saint-Eustase Abbey
Ordinarily, the sisters prepare excellent meals for their guests, except for groups. Meals are taken together and provide opportunities for beautiful unexpected encounters. But if they wish, guests can also be self-sufficient, individually or as a family.
Practically speaking, the guest house is spread across several buildings. The monastery has two houses, each located less than 50 meters from the main house:
- One is an old Landes farmhouse from the 18th century, with a common room heated by a wood stove and featuring 5 bedrooms (two with a double bed, three with two single beds)
- The other is the property's former cider press, more spacious than the farm, with a large meeting room. It has 6 bedrooms (2 with a double bed, 1 with 1 single bed, 2 with 2 single beds, and one with 4 single beds)
Both have an equipped kitchen. They are both surrounded by lush nature. Deer sometimes come to eat the roses under the windows! The abbey even has a soccer field – admittedly modest and rustic – and a ping-pong table!
Geography and activities
The monastery is located in the heart of Chalosse, in the village of Eyres-Moncube (40500). In other words, in the Landes near Béarn, in a region that is green and hilly, where fields and woods alternate. It overlooks the Gabas valley, a small stream that flows through the nearby village.
The monastery is located 25 km south of Mont-de-Marsan, and 50 km east of Dax.
The monastery's environment is essentially rural. The village of Eyres-Moncube is part of the municipality of Saint-Sever, where the Adour river flows (possibility of water activities). From the enclosure, you can see the Pyrenees, depending on the weather.
Activities to do around Saint-Eustase Abbey
- Do you like walking in the countryside? A hiking trail passes right in front of the abbey. 14 km long, it follows the banks of the Gabas and offers breathtaking panoramas.
- Less than 10 minutes away by car, freely explore the passages and alleys of the historic center of the small town of Saint-Sever. Not to be missed: a visit (by request) to Villa Sentex and its 4th-century Gallo-Roman mosaics.
- Missing the sea? Soorts-Hossegor is 1 hour away by car.
- The sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is only 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from the abbey.
Practical information
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