Sicut Cervus

Sicut Cervus

lundi 23 janvier 2017

Sacra Liturgia Summer School - France - 5-17 August 2017

Fourth International

Sacra Liturgia Summer School

La Garde-Freinet

(Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur)

83680, France

5-17 August 2017

An English-language liturgical summer school following on from the international Sacra Liturgia conferences in Rome, New York and London and the summer schools from 2014-2016 organised by the Monastère Saint-Benoît of the Diocese of Fréjus-Toulon, France.

Bishop Dominique Rey celebrates Pontifical Mass at the Throne
Feast of the Assumption, Summer School 2016
Designed for families, individuals and groups of clergy and laity who wish to holiday in Provence in the South of France whilst having the opportunity to participate in liturgical celebrations according to the usus antiquior of the Roman rite.


This year we have the privilege of welcoming His Eminence, Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke. His Eminence will celebrate Pontifical first Vespers and Solemn Pontifical Mass at the Throne for the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (15 August). Bishop Dominique Rey, Bishop of Fréjus-Toulon, will welcome His Eminence and be present at I Vespers of the Assumption. Cardinal Burke will also give a conference on the Sacred Liturgy for participants. 

The summer school includes pilgrimages to and the celebration of solemn Mass in the Royal Basilica housing the relics of St Mary Magdalen at St Maximin-La-Sainte-Baume and the chapel housing the relics of St Roseline of Villeneuve (†1329) - details below. A visit to the ancient Cistercian Abbey of Le Thoronet is also possible.

Solemn Mass in the Royal Basilica of St Mary Magdalene
Summer School 2016
The summer school includes practical formation in Gregorian chant (for beginners and for those more advanced), and in the ceremonies of the usus antiquior for priests and seminarians wishing to learn how to celebrate Low Mass, how to serve as deacon and subdeacon, and for seminarians and servers who wish to learn more about the rites and how to serve as a Master of Ceremonies. 

The daily schedule gives over the mornings to practical training (approximately 14 hours of tuition in total), with presentations and discussions (presenters and topics to be announced) taking place in the evenings after vespers. Afternoons are free for relaxation and exploring the region.

The crucifix ("la croix des Maures")
overlooking the village of La Garde-Freinet
The mountain village of La Garde-Freinet, situated in a wine growing region some 20 km from Saint-Tropez and approximately 15 km from the Mediterranean sea, is an ideal holiday location with mountain walks, a Provencal market, shops and restaurants. English is widely spoken in the village. Participants will arrange their own accommodation, meals and transport. For further information on the village, including local accommodation available for rent, see here. The secretariat may be able to help individuals in finding accommodation in the village if necessary.

The nearest airports are Toulon/Hyeres, Nice and Marseille from which one can hire a car to use in getting to and from the village, for use whilst there, and for the pilgrimages. The nearest railway station is Les Arcs/Draguinan from which in August there are buses to La Garde-Freinet. French railway information can be found here and bus timetables here.

Practical training options:

Low Mass practice (for clergy and seminarians)
-   Textbook: J.B. O’Connell, The Celebration of Mass; a Study of the Rubrics of the Roman Missal.. (1964; reprinted by Preserving Christian Publications)

The Sacred Ministers at Solemn Mass including chants (for clergy and seminarians)
-      Textbook: Fortescue, O’Connell, Reid, The Ceremonies of the Roman Rite Described, 15th ed., Burns & Oates 2009.

Sung Mass (missa cantata) including chants (for clergy and seminarians)
-     Textbook: Fortescue, O’Connell, Reid, The Ceremonies of the Roman Rite Described, 15th ed., Burns & Oates 2009

Serving low, sung and solemn Mass (men and boys)
-     No textbook is required, but those who wish may bring: Fortescue, O’Connell, Reid, The Ceremonies of the Roman Rite Described, 15th ed., Burns & Oates 2009

The chant of the Mass and Office (any participants - beginners, intermediate & advanced)
-     Tutors will be in touch regarding materials to bring. Most music will be provided.

A "masterclass" for Masters of Ceremonies (experienced servers, seminarians and clergy)
- Participants in this masterclass should have access to at least the ceremonial books mentioned above.

Registration is possible for the whole Summer School
or for individual days.

Registrants are responsible for their own accommodation, transport and meals. Where possible the secretariat will try to help individuals who need to share accommodation or transport. 

In addition to the daily schedule below, the programme includes the following:

The Solemn Requiem Mass at the 2016 Summer School
Solemn Requiem Mass on Monday, August 7th at 09h00.

Friday, 11th August, 16h00: Solemn Mass in the Royal Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalen, St Maximin la Sainte-Baume, followed by veneration of the relics and vespers. A private visit to the sanctuary of St Mary Magdalene in the mountains of la Sainte-Baume is possible beforehand.

Saturday, 12th August, 09h30: Solemn Mass in the Chapel of Saint Rosaline of Villeneuve, Les Arcs, preceded by terce and followed by the veneration of the relics.  A private visit to the Abbey of Le Thoronet is possible in the afterwards.


Sacra Liturgia is profoundly grateful to the Very Reverend and Reverend Curé’s of St Maximin la Sainte-Baume and Les Arcs for their kind welcome.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

Normal Daily Schedule

[Although it does not form part of the summer school programme,
participants may attend the Office of Matins at 04h00 if they wish.]


Lauds: 06h00 (followed by private Masses)
Prime: 07h30
Confessions: 08h30
Terce: 08h45
Sung Mass: 09h00
Practical training: Chant/Ceremonies: 10h15
Break: 11h15
Practical training: Chant/Ceremonies: 11h30
Sext: 12h45
None: 14h00

Vespers: 18h00
Aperitif & social time/Evening talk: 18h30
Compline: 19h30