Benedictine Monks -
Saint-Benoît-du-Lac, Québec

About Us

The abbey of Saint-Benoît-du-Lac numbers 40 monks living according to the monastic Rule of Saint Benedict (†547), from whom they received the name “Benedictine”. Withdrawn from the world, they seek God in celebrating the Liturgy of the Church, in mental prayer nourished by meditation on Scripture, in daily work, and in living in community under the paternal guidance of an abbot.

Mission

In celebrating the Divine Office, the community fulfills its ministry of prayer. The Divine Office occupies a central place in a monk’s life. At Saint-Benoît-du-Lac, a large part of the liturgy is sung in Gregorian chant. With Lectio Divina, an unhurried and meditative reading of the Word of God, and mental prayer, the monastery offers the monk an ideal atmosphere in which to endeavour to remain in the Presence of God in all that he undertakes.

Community Life

The monastery brings together individuals that share the same ideal. The talents of each are put to the service of all to create a community living according to the Gospel. Common life provides the pathway to self-discovery, acceptance of others, and love of God.

Work

Certain functions, inherent to monastic life, require the services of a number of monks (librarian, sacristan, accountant, guest master, porter, etc.) Elsewhere, community life also entails a variety of domestic tasks that occupy other monks. The monks of Saint-Benoît-du-Lac assure their living above all by a cheese-factory, an orchard, a cider-mill, and a store where their products are sold.

To Become A Monk

A candidate for monastic life must be motivated by a true desire to seek God, be able to show that he is mature and capable of living in community. He should be between 20 and 40 years of age, single, in good health and free of debt. This community is French speaking. If he does not already speak French, he must be willing to learn it in order to live in this monastery.

Not all monks are priests: it is in regards to the individual vocation of a monk, the needs of the community, and the call of the abbot that a monk may be ordained priest.

Please consult our website for COME AND SEE weekends.