Via Cordis – Experiencing the way of the heart, the Jesus prayer

A living and embodied spiritual experience that invites us to unify body, soul, and spirit in the loving presence of Christ.

• An approach integrating body, soul, and spirit
• Times of prayer, contemplation, and silence
• A spiritual experience rooted in the tradition of the Desert Fathers

From 08/17/2026 at 9:00 AM to 08/23/2026 at 4:00 PM

This wisdom, at once simple and profound, teaches us the art of unifying the interior life so that the prayer of the heart may emerge, the Jesus prayer, that silent space where God meets the whole being.

Take time at La Roche du Theil to explore contemplation as a path to unity...

Through times of prayer, silence, sharing, and bodily practice, each person will be invited to welcome the divine presence through the "rumination" of the Holy Name, in breath and in heart.

This retreat offers a privileged space to:

• refocus on what is essential
• taste the peace of interior silence
• enter into an embodied and life-giving prayer
• draw inspiration from the writings and wisdom of the Desert Fathers
• open oneself to an experience of interior unity

Open to anyone on a spiritual search, this retreat requires no prior experience, only the sincere desire to be transformed by the gentleness and truth of the heart.

Presenter: Lydia Louis, Via Cordis contemplation teacher.

• Lauds at 8:30 AM
• Vespers at 6:40 PM
• Mass on weekdays at 11:30 AM every day
• Mass on Sundays at 11:00 AM
• Meeting and confession with a priest by appointment

Practical information

• If you have a dietary requirement: please indicate it when registering so that the kitchen can accommodate it.
• Sheets and towels are provided by the center and placed on your bed.
• Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
• Bring your Bible (if you have one), a notebook, and a pen.
• The 12-hectare park, the library, and the lounge are available to all retreatants.

Getting here

• By car from Redon: head toward la Gacilly, then La Roche du Theil (La Roche du Theil - Google Maps)
• By train: TGV station at Redon – the station is 6 minutes from the center. Taxis are available.
• Upon arrival, please check in at the reception desk to collect your key.

Financial contribution

• Contribution to expenses: contact Lydia at lydia-johanna.louis13@sfr.fr
• The retreat price includes accommodation, meals, the room, and the presenter.
• To confirm your registration, a deposit of 30% of the retreat cost will be required. In the event of cancellation by the participant, any amount paid to the center remains non-refundable, except in the case of cancellation by the center.

The cost of participation should not be a barrier. If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please do not hesitate to contact us.