Notre-Dame de Wisques Abbey
Wisques Pas-de-Calais Founded in 1889
Notre-Dame de Wisques Abbey, in the Pas-de-Calais department, is a Benedictine monastery home to a community of nuns affiliated with the Congregation of Solesmes, standing all in white at the top of a wooded hill. Founded in 1889 by Sainte-Cécile de Solesmes Abbey and elevated to abbey status in 1894, the community lives according to four pillars: contemplative life, solemn liturgy, fidelity to the living Tradition expressed through Gregorian chant, and love of the Church. Manual and intellectual work, carried out in silence, holds an important place in daily life.
Nestled in the woods yet only twenty-five kilometers from the sea, in the heart of the Parc naturel régional des caps et marais d'Opale, the abbey offers an ideal setting for renewal. A few sisters welcome guests on behalf of the whole community, for a spiritual retreat lived at the rhythm of monastic life.
What awaits you
Practical information
Meals
Meals (lunch and dinner) are taken at the abbey in the guests' dining room, separately from the community.
Accommodation
The Pavillon St Charles welcomes up to 7 retreatants in a family atmosphere. It has a small library and an oratory. For larger groups, the neighboring Abbaye Saint-Paul can make two fully equipped houses available.
What to bring
If possible, retreatants are asked to bring a sleeping bag or a set of sheets, as well as their toiletries. A Bible, a missal, and something to take notes with may also be useful.
Manual work
During monastic retreats, retreatants are invited to take part in the nuns' work: cooking, gardening, bookbinding, sewing, cobbling, etc. This time is lived in silence, as a joyful service within the community.
Liturgy
The monastic day includes the celebration of the Eucharist and the Divine Office. Gregorian chant holds a central place in the liturgy of the Solesmes Congregation.
Who is welcome
Monastic retreats are open to young women wishing to deepen their spiritual life. Individual discernment retreats are for single young women between the ages of 16 and 35.
Getting there
Travel to Saint-Omer (2 hours from Paris), then 10 minutes by taxi or bus, or on foot (1h15)
Head due north; Wisques is between Béthune and Calais
Through the magnificent Audomarois marshes!