The Recluse Sisters
Relocation of the monastery
We are now located at 6286 Gérin-Lajoie, in Montreal, since August 13th 2025. It is with regret that we sold our monastery located at 12050 Boulevard Gouin East Montreal. Living in a smaller monastery, we can no longer welcome guests for retreats. Our chapel will soon be open to the public for eucharistic adoration. We will post the opening date on our website as soon as we are ready.
Monastery
Our Catholic community under the French name of Les Recluses Missionnaires was founded in 1943, in Alberta, Canada. The community offers its members a monastic way of life with perpetual adoration of the Eucharist and an accent on silence and solitude following the example of Jeanne LeBer, a recluse who lived in the early days of Montreal.
After 75 years of presence in the borough Rivière-des-Prairies, the monastery is still located in the East of Montreal, but now in the borough Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve.
The « two windows »
The « two windows » of Presence to God and Presence to the world illustrate the spirituality of the community, as well as the spirituality of the recluse women of Medieval times. Tradition tells us, in fact, that most of these women lived in a small apartment attending a Church. Through one window, the recluse had view on the tabernacle of the Church. The other window allowed the people around to confide their intentions of prayer to the recluse.
PRESENCE TO GOD — PRESENCE TO THE WORLD
Painting of Jeanne Le Ber
by sister Jacqueline Poirier, r.m.
Prayers of intercession and of beatification in PDF
Jeanne Le Ber, an inspiration
Thus lived Jeanne Le Ber (1662-1714), who is an inspiration for the Sisters. Jeanne, a well-balanced woman, lived in complete seclusion during thirty-four years.
Christ present in the Blessed Sacrament was her magnet.
In her cell, she embroidered masterpieces, some of which are preserved. Her way of life seems to us today more admirable than imitable. Nevertheless, the spirit which was hers, of of eucharistic adoration and intercession for her brothers and sisters, may harmonize with any state of life.
The sainthood cause for Jeanne Le Ber was officially opened in the Archdiocese of Montreal on October 28th 2015. Two articles have been published at this occasion:
The Catholic Register, November 19th 2015, by Laura Ieraci
The Lay Center, November 25th 2015
Presence to God
Day and night, the Sisters take turns for adoration in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed in the chapel. The Eucharist celebrated and adored is the core of our life. Our spirituality is one of offering and thanksgiving to the Father, through Jesus, in the Holy Spirit.
Morning, midday and evening, the sisters gather to pray the Divine Office, also known as the Liturgy of the Hours. Mainly composed of Psalms, it is the great prayer of the People of God who praises Him and recognize His action in the universe.
The Word of God, meditated privately, lectio divina in the monastic tradition, is our daily bread. While ruminating the Word, we progressively learn the eminent science of Jesus Christ, as urged by saint Paul.
Contemplative life tends to grow in a climate of peace, detachment and interiority which fosters the search for God. The community offers a schedule and an environment assuring solitude within common life.
Silence makes this possible. A Father of the Desert declared one day that silence is the portable cell that never leaves a person of prayer.
Presence to the world
Prayer of adoration and prayer of intercession are inseparable. We are keenly aware of our double mission. We are missionaries mainly through prayer.
It is said of the ancient recluse women, though vowed to a strict seclusion, that they hospitalized in their heart the sorrows and joys of all men and women. The Sisters carry on this tradition.
A privileged and concrete way for monasteries to open wide their window of Presence to the world is through hospitality. For over 70 years, we have been happy to share our life of prayer and contemplation with thousands of people who have benefited from it. We can only give thanks to the Lord for all the spiritual fruits He has given to each and every person who has stayed in our monastic environment.
Our mission of adoration and intercession continues in a new environment.
Don’t hesitate to share with us your intentions for which we will be praying!