oh, I have to contradict you. I have been and remain a fairly regular reader of this blog, although you wouldn't know it since I never have much to say.
What a beautiful post about one of the most remarkable and inspiring sites on earth. Every time I have been there it is a deeply moving experience.
Josh: Thank you.
Elena: Merci à vous aussi. Isn't the Basilica lovely? I only recently discovered this is where St. Ignatius and his little band of men formed the Company of Jesus, which went on to do incredible things for the Church in the centuries following...
I have to disagree too. I can't believe you believe no one read your blog, Christine. Je suis sur que vous l'avez fait exprès pour avoir des réponses!!!
I regularly comes back on your blog, once or twice a week, just to see the last good idea. Your blog is beautiful and inspiring. I gave your link to an American friend and she said she was so pleased to read you. She left your blog address in her favorites.
Of course, I understand you could hope more comments. You're right, we should and I'll try to be a little less lazy.
Good work and luck Christine. You're working for Praise of Glory, Laudem Gloriae.
Merci, Thierry; c’est gentil de vous. Je ne cherche pas de plus de commentaires ; j’étais être un peu facétieuse quand j’ai fait la remarque…
Christine,
When you get to Lourdes, there is a Carmel there with sung vespers in French(open to the public)every night at 5:00 p.m. If you are standing at the grotto it is the yellow building across the river and up the hill.
Fr. M,
Thanks for the wonderful tip. I'll do my best to make it...
Ah, it's been so long since I've been to Paris; this makes me miss it much.
I love the basilica. It reminds of the very best things about France, and helps me to ignore the worst.
Andrew,
Yes, as you note, there is much to love about the country, and much for which one must pray.
I loved Sacre Coeur! I see the statue of dear Ste. Jeanne d'Arc in the front!
I didn't know there was a Carmel behind the Basilica-how long has that been around?
And how wonderful that you and your family were able to find a place to stay nearby!
Your little ones are so cute....
I'm asnwering my own question about the Carmel of Montmartre.....
It was founded in 1928 (yes, 80 years ago!) from Paray-le-Monial. The foundress was Mother Marie of Jesus, who was born Allessandra de Rudini, and became the Marchesa de Garda in Italy She had a turbulent and, for a time, scandalous life until she was converted at Lourdes in 1910. She entered the Carmel of Paray-le-Monial in 1911, at 35. She took the name Marie of Jesus in honor of the foundress, who came from the Carmel of Dijon and knew Bl. Elisabeth of the Trinity. Montmartre was her second foundation-the other two were Valenciennes in France and Reposoir in Switzerland. She died in 1931 in Geneva, Switzerland, of tuberculosis at the age of 55. I heard that she was being looked into for beatification...
All this information came from a newsletter put out by the Abbaye St-Joseph de Clairval....
Thanks for the wonderful insight. I receive that newsletter regularly; the monastery is only 60 km north of us.
I am another who appreciates your blog; has learned from it, has been edified by it, and patiently waited for you to return from blog-fasting on occasion. May you continue to be a blessing to your readers!
I'm beginning to regret the "no one reads this blog" comment; it was said in jest, and not to invoke pity or compliments. Still, I appreciate the kind words, and yes--you have been a reader for a long time...
Are meals included in the room price at Ephrem?
g,
For 13 euros a night, you just get the room (I should clarify it's 13 euros per adult, so if there are two adults in the room, double the price). Breakfast is 4 euros, lunch is 13, and dinner is 13. That's still a steal for Paris.
I have just discovered your blog through doing a Google search of images of Carmel in Lisieux. I am enjoying your writings and photographs very much.
Wanted to let you know that there are 3 books by Eileen Barish that give information on lodging in monasteries in France, Spain, and Italy. The one on France does not say "Ephrem", but lists it as Prieure Saint-Benoit-Sainte-Scholastique, available only to those coming on pilgrimage or retreat. It only gives basic description and address, phone, and fax numbers for monasteries that do not welcome everybody. For the monasteries that do welcome everyone, it gives information on type of accommodations, amenities, cost of lodging and meals, directions, and contact info as well as website and email address.
Nancy
I am thrilled to come across your site! I am planning a private pilgrimage (no tour company) in France for this December. My traveling companion (another woman) and I are looking for guest houses and/or retreat houses in Paris, Lourdes, & Nevers. Places where we can attend daily mass, adoration and visit the holy places during the day and have quiet time to reflect in the evening. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. This is a wonderful place to start - what is the best way to contact Ephrem guesthouse? Thank you and God bless.
Mary,
Here is the contact information for Ephrem:
pax@sacre-coeur-montmartre.com
Phone: 011-33-1 53 41 89 19
MAISON D'ACCUEIL EPHREM
33, RUE DU CHEVALIER-DE-LA-BARRE
75018 PARIS
Some of them speak English, so they should be able to help you. Best wishes!
Mary,
If you need a list of retreat houses in Lourdes, let me know.
I've sent an e-mail - no response yet. Perhaps I try to call them. A retreat house in Lourdes would be wonderful - we are starting to plan everything out this week (before airfares go up yet again). Your help is greatly appreciated!
Peace,
Mary
Christine, I came across your blog while I was searching for internet info on Monastere Du Carmel in Lisieux. Your blog is very interesting & full of details for potential travelers like us.
I love ancient christian church art & basilicas, monasteries, churches. Have just returned from a faith-filled tour of Italy & Austria in April. Next May (2009), I am planning a catholic pilgrim trip to France. Your blog is so useful to me.
I have written to pax@sacre-coeur-montmartre.com but have not recd any reply from them. I do not know French at all. Am from India.
Asha,
It's best to call Ephrem; they can speak some English, so you should be able to reserve a room without any problem. Just be sure to indicate whether or not you want to eat all your meals there or not. That will figure into the cost.
I stayed at the Ephrem this past June, and it was simply spectacular! The sisters are all very helpful, and put up well with my broken Quebec French. The rooms were amazingly monastic...a bed, a small shower, and a desk..thats it. Lots of time for reflection, between the room and the adoration!
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