Sainte Lioba Abbey
Sainte Lioba Abbey is located between Marseille and Aix-en-Provence. The nature, the silence of the place, and the liturgy of the communities of monks and nuns can lead you to an experience where you will probably discover more than you had hoped for: a place of heart-to-heart encounter with God, meeting Christ, who teaches us to view the world and ourselves with a gaze of Hope.
In the silence and beauty of nature, the community invites you to share their times of prayer, listen to the word of God, exchange a few services, and enjoy the relaxation of walks.
We are 25 km from Aix-en-Provence, as well as 30 km from Marseille. All you have to do is visit the Abbey !
Retreats organized by the community
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The Benedictine community of Sainte Lioba Abbey
Sainte Lioba Abbey is part of the Order of Saint Benedict and the monastic family of Sainte Lioba, founded in 1935 by Hildegard Michaelis.
Hildegard Michaelis (1900-1982) was first a student at the Hamburg School of Fine Arts. She converted to the Catholic faith at the age of 28. In 1935, she founded a first monastery in Holland, followed by a foundation in Switzerland and then in France in Simiane-Collongue, the current Sainte Lioba Abbey. Throughout her life, Hildegard Michaelis used her artistic talents to create numerous works, especially paintings.
Making a retreat at Sainte Lioba Monastery
Nothing better than a retreatant's testimony to describe what defines the welcome at the abbey:
"Those who come to Sainte Lioba Abbey are struck by the beauty and deep peace of the place, by a climate of prayer that marks the liturgical ceremonies, and by the simple and true joy and love radiated by the nuns and monks," wrote one guest.
What to expect during your stay
A spiritual retreat near Marseille
Coming to Sainte Lioba Abbey means experiencing what it's like to stay in a sublime abbey in Provence.
On site, you can take part in the activities that mark the sisters' days:
- Times of prayer are spread throughout the day, and you can participate according to your desire. The Sisters warmly invite you to participate in at least two offices per day.
- Reading the word of God or writings about a friend of God. The silence of your room in our guest house will help you listen to this word and read the Scriptures. A Sister can introduce you to biblical reading and lectio divina if you wish. Meals are also taken in silence.
- Simple service if you wish in and around our guest house: cleaning, gardening, maintenance…
- A time of relaxation. The Abbey is located in the hills: there are many paths for beautiful walks! A small library is also available to you
- Spiritual and personal guidance can be provided by a Sister or Brother.
A day at Sainte Lioba Abbey
The day is punctuated by prayer, listening to the word of God, and manual work. "Pray and work and do not be sad" is a Benedictine proverb! The sisters will be happy to share their times of prayer with you.
- 6:00 a.m.: Angelus and silent prayer time
- 6:15 a.m.: Vigils
- 7:00 a.m.: Lectio divina (study and meditation on the Word of God)
- 8:30 a.m.: Lauds-Eucharist.
- 9:30 a.m.: Manual work.
- 12:45 p.m.: Sext prayer, lunch and free time.
- 3:00 p.m.: None prayer in private, and manual work
- 6:00 p.m.: Mental prayer (silent face-to-face with God).
- 6:15 p.m.: Vespers, dinner.
- 7:40 p.m.: Teaching time or community meetings
- 8:15 p.m.: Compline
Geography and activities
In the heart of Marseille, discover the Savonnerie du Midi
In the heart of Marseille, discover: Notre-Dame de la Garde Church, Saint-Victor Abbey, the Savonnerie, and in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, the Cathedral baptistery and the Caumont Art Centre.
Located in the center of Marseille, the Savonnerie du Midi is celebrating its 125th anniversary and showcases unique expertise. Preserved by a handful of passionate people, the soaps promise authenticity that has become extremely rare.
Hiking in the surroundings of Sainte Lioba Abbey
- Tour of the historic center of Bouc-Bel-Air: approximately 2 hours 20 minutes for exactly 7.11 km.
- Ascent of L'Étoile via the Santons loop: approximately 4 hours for 11 km
- A walk in the magnificent 2,400-hectare forest and its multiple hiking trails
Practical information
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