A Retreat at Sacre-Couer
I was vaguely aware that there were guest rooms at Sacre-Couer for pilgrimages/retreats
This year, I investigated this further, and easily booked the maximum of 5 nights
There were minimal restrictions (exit no sooner than 7:30am, required to be “in” by 9:30)
You could pay for meals, which consisted of the minimal European breakfast, a light dinner (without coffee) but lunch was very good (with a salad, a french entree, starch, vegetable, cheese course, desert and coffee
On weekdays there were four daily Masses, more on Friday
Lauds, Office, Vespers were conducted by the Sister who sang and alternated playing a harpsicord, organ istrument
And each night, you could sign up for the Adoration in the Basilica
Observations:
Paris Nuns sing and participate in Masses and other services
The prayer kneeling benches are not upholstered (and are tortururous)
There was is a “relic”/”object d’art” above the alter, which is covered by a screen for the Mass
It was a very reasonable, I wonder why it is not more popular, most visitors had many children
(but I could see how this would NOT be attractive to everyone)
Paris for the Holidays 