Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal: a model of spiritual friendship
Learning from Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal
Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal: a model of spiritual friendship
Reserve my spot
Discover the most beautiful spiritual friendship in the history of the Church
A weekend to explore this friendship and draw from their correspondence an inspiration for living in true unity with Christ.
- Discover and deepen the concept of spiritual friendship through an exceptional model.
- Immerse yourself in the correspondence of Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Jane de Chantal.
- Benefit from reading keys to understand and embrace a treasure of Christian tradition.
- Experience times of prayer, sharing, and silence.
- Enjoy a setting conducive to renewal and contemplation.
-
From 13/03/2026 6:00 PM to 15/03/2026 4:00 PM
Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622), the "doctor of divine love," is the most published author in the world until the 20th century with his Introduction to the Devout Life.
His encounter with Saint Jane Frances de Chantal (1572-1641) led them to found the Order of the Visitation in Annecy in 1610.
It is commonly accepted that their relationship is "the most beautiful spiritual friendship in the history of the Church."
- During this weekend, we will explore this concept of spiritual friendship with several examples (on earth and with heaven) and, returning to our model, we will see that the bond uniting Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal is much more than a friendship: a true unity in the heart of Christ.
- The heart of the weekend is the reading of texts, particularly from the correspondence between our two saints. Like a heart has four parts, there will be four sequences of 45 minutes each, with some reading keys to better appreciate this treasure of tradition.
- Also on the program: slideshow, personal and communal prayer, sharing, walks in the park. Saturday meals in silence.
-
- Lauds at 8:30 AM
- Vespers at 6:40 PM
- Weekday Mass at 11:30 AM every day
- Sunday Mass at 11:00 AM
- Meeting and confession with a priest by appointment
Speaker: David LAURENT Parishioner of Bruz (35) and active member of the Saint-Jean-de-la-Croix association whose purpose is to make the Western mystical tradition known. He notably published the Correspondence between Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal with DDB editions in 2016.
Practical information
- If you have a special diet: please specify when registering so the kitchen can accommodate it.
- The sheets and towels are provided by the center and placed on your bed.
- Wifi is available throughout the facility.
- Bring your Bible (if you have one), notebook and pen.
- The 12-hectare park, library, and lounge are available to all retreatants
Getting here
- By car from Redon: direction La Gacilly then La Roche du Theil (La Roche du Theil - Google Maps)
- By train: TGV station of Redon, the station is 6 minutes from the center. Taxi available.
- Upon arrival, check in at reception to collect your key.
Financial participation
- Contribution to expenses: €166 (tourist tax not included).
- The retreat price includes accommodation, meals, the room, and the speaker.
- To confirm your registration, you will be asked for a deposit of 30% of the retreat amount. In case of cancellation, any amount paid to the Center remains with the Center unless the Center cancels.
The amount of participation should not be a barrier. In case of financial difficulties, please do not hesitate to contact us.