Sicut Cervus

Sicut Cervus

jeudi 6 février 2020

Seventh International Sacra Liturgia Summer School: 25 July - 7 August 2020

Seventh International 
Sacra Liturgia Summer School

La Garde-Freinet

(Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur)

83680, France

25 July - 7 August 2020

"The best liturgical formation 
is simply to live the sacred liturgy each day."

An English-language liturgical summer school following on from the international Sacra Liturgia conferences in Rome, New York, London and Milan and the 2014-2019 summer schools organised by the Monastère Saint-Benoît of the Diocese of Fréjus-Toulon, France.

Some of the participants in the 2019 Summer School
with His Excellency, Archbishop Thomas Gullicskon.

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 be formed in the Sacred Liturgy and to participate in liturgical celebrations according to the usus antiquior of the Roman rite.

Preparing to sing solemn Mass in the Royal Basilica of St Mary Magdalene.


The programme 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 on Wednesday, 29th July at 15h00, and a pilgrimage to the chapel housing the relics of St Roseline of Villeneuve (†1329) (date tbc)A visit to the ancient Cistercian Abbey of Le Thoronet is also possible. This year, the bishop of Frejus-Toulon, Msgr Dominique Rey, will join us to celebrate Pontifical Mass at the Throne on the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, Thursday, 6th August.


Singing Solemn Mass at the Chapel of Saint Rosealine, 2019

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 (topics tbc) and discussions taking place in the evenings after vespers. Afternoons are free for relaxation and exploring the region.

A village scene during the 2017 Summer School
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. Students with limited means are invited to contact us to see what may be possible through the monastery.

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.

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.


Participants prepare for the celebration of Solemn or Sung Mass 
on each day of the Summer School. 

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, particularly students and seminarians, who need to share accommodation or transport. 

Please contact us if you have any questions.
Normal Daily Schedule
The Divine Office is celebrated solemnly each day of the Summer School
according to the monastic rite.
[Although it does not form part of the summer school programme,
participants may participate in the Office of Matins 
with the monks at 03h30 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
free time
Vespers: 18h00
Aperitif & social time/Evening discussion: 18h30
Compline: 19h30