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Blessed Marie Eugene of the Child Jesus had a great heart for priests and preached an annual retreat for them. This was an absolute priority for him, that he said would be one of the last things that he would want to give up as his health declined.
Today, the tradition continues and an annual retreat for priests takes place at Notre Dame de Vie, providing spiritual renewal and inspiration for new generations of priests.
The annual retreat has always been preached in French, making it challenging for non-French speakers to participate. In 2023 we offered for the first time an English language retreat so as to allow English speaking priests to participate and be blessed by the graces of this wonderful place and its charism. This was such a blessing for all the participants that we did this again in 2024 and are now organising a 2025 retreat.
The retreat will take place at Notre Dame de Vie, Venasque in the South of France from the evening of 27 April to the afternoon of 2 May 2025.
Notre Dame de Vie is an ancient Marian shrine dating back to the sixth century, a wonderful place of prayer that is today the home of the Secular Institute of Notre Dame de Vie.
The shrine is in a beautiful natural setting in a peaceful valley with great opportunities for walking in the surrounding countryside.
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Image © Peter Potrowl
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