Retreat at the Abbey

A couple weekends ago, a group of about 20 ladies and our parish priest went to the Chimay Abbey for a retreat.   We had a nice day of discussion and prayer, despite my husband thinking all we did was drink beer all day.  ;) 

 

For those of you who don't know, Chimay is one of the Trappist Belgian Beers.  It has been made by the monks of Scourmont Abbey since 1850. 

 

 

Chimay Abbey

 

 

 

During our discussion time, we presented the 7 Last Words of Christ to one another.   During one of our breaks, we joined the monks and listened to them sing in prayer.  Afterwards, we ate lunch in silence.   In the afternoon, we had the opportunity to go outside for a group treasure hunt.  And our retreat time ended with Mass in a quaint chapel.   We stayed for dinner at the Chimay restaurant that is just down the road from the abbey. 

We weren't supposed to talk in the hallways (try telling 18 WOMEN not to talk!~ that's nearly impossible!)

 

 

 

 

 

This is the beer that was served to us during lunch.  Chimay Duree Goud- It's the beer that the monks drink and serve to their guests.  They do not sell this one in the stores here. 

 

 

 

On a hike

 

 

 A great group of ladies...about 5 or 6 had to leave early.

 

Chimay grounds

 

 

Enjoying our time at the Chimay restaurant!

 

Belgian meatballs-- one covered in a Chimay beer sauce and the other in a Chimay cheese sauce.  So good, but sooooooo rich!


So you can see for yourself that the day was not just about beer!   ;)