Student and young professional retreat "Letting God shape us... in the light of his Word", Marie-Laetitia Calmeyn

Marie-Laetitia Calmeyn, a Belgian theologian, consecrated virgin, and teacher at the Collège des Bernardins in Paris, offers us a profound meditation on how God brings us to life through our trials, our relationships, and the faithfulness of His presence.

Drawing on the testimony of her brother with Down syndrome, on figures such as Saint Monica, Mary Magdalene, and Mother Teresa, and on the great biblical narratives, Laetitia shows how hope is received and shared, how each person can become fruitful and open up spaces of life for those around them. A message that invites us to let God shape us and to become, in our turn, apostles for our brothers and sisters.

Do you feel scattered? At risk of burnout? Finding it hard to concentrate? Do you accumulate experiences without them really changing anything in your life or its meaning?

The retreat is 5 full days to (re)discover active faith and bring depth to your life.
It follows a format of silence with teachings, prayer, and reconnection with nature.

Daily personal accompaniment is available: a valuable support for taking stock and opening new horizons.

The retreat is open to all, but priority is given to those aged 18 to 35.

• From Monday the 16th at 7:00 PM to Sunday the 22nd at 10:00 AM.

• A 6-day stay for rest, prayer, and formation in a spirit of shared recollection.

• Two to three teachings per day.

• Daily Mass, Lauds, free adoration, rosary, and prayer vigils with personal reflection activities.

• Opportunity to meet with a priest (for confession or a conversation) or a lay person trained in listening and spiritual guidance.

• Opportunities for walks in and around the grounds, through a landscape of gentle, wooded hills.

• Meals accompanied by music, generous and varied. Special diets available on request.

Practical details

• The Foyer de charité, located halfway between Toulouse and Bordeaux, welcomes you with full board and home-cooked meals.

• Accommodation: single rooms, with some double rooms available. Couples who wish to may be accommodated in a double room. The vast majority of rooms have full bathroom facilities. Pillowcases and blankets are provided on site.

What to pack

• Your bed sheets (rental available for €5 per set if you are traveling by train). Please check with the secretariat for the size required for your room.

• Your towels.

• Your table napkin, with a napkin ring or holder if possible.

• Your regular medications.

• Shoes and clothing suitable for walking, to make the most of the countryside.

• Your Bible, at least the New Testament and the Psalms (a loan copy is available on site).

• Something to take notes with.

• For children, a detailed list of items to bring will be sent to you at the time of registration.

Transportation

• If you are traveling by train, a shuttle from the Foyer de charité can pick you up at Agen train station. Please contact the secretariat to arrange your arrival.

Your commitment

• By registering, you commit to respecting everyone's privacy and rest, as well as to participating in the retreat in its entirety.

• We look forward to welcoming you and sharing this time together!

Suggested offering

• The material existence of the Foyer de charité depends on the contributions of retreatants.

• The amount is left to your discretion; each person gives, in conscience, according to their real means.

• We estimate that full board (24 hours), including programming, comes to around €55 per person per day. (Divide by 2 for children.)

• If this represents a genuine difficulty for you, please mention it at the time of registration.