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Community
The last monks left the Abbey in spring 2001. The Cistercian order hoped to preserve its spiritual vocation in the spirit of St. Bernard at Val Dieu. A new future was born here in the service of men and women of our time through the formation of the "Christian Community of Val-Dieu".
The new project was founded on the conviction of St. Bernard: "In life we must seek peace: Peace with our God, peace with our neighbor, peace with ourselves." This invitation is directed to all of us today, particularly the young, young adults and young families. The project is open to all Christians: couples as well as single people, the religious and the laity, men and women who, as a permanent commitment or for a limited time, wish to live and to deepen their faith with the support and sincerity of a Christian community.
The new life at Val Dieu is based on the desire to live according to the Rule of St. Benedict and to adopt a rhythm of life and work supported by prayer. The "Christian Community of Val Dieu" is associated with the Cistercian order and is approved and encouraged by the Bishop of Liege.
Four communities together (l'abbaye N.D. de Lerins in France, monastery Saint Remacle of Wavreumont, l'abbaye de la Paix ND in Liege, and the community Vieille Voie de sainte Walburge) support the project, each according to its own charisms and experience.
Val Dieu Abbey is situated at the geographic center of the Meuse-Rhine region, the meeting place of Latin and Germanic culture. We see ourselves in service to our region and in solidarity with the Third World. All economic activity undertaken at Val Dieu is now linked directly to the new project. We run a small business whose management requires quite a bit of attention considering the shop, the restaurant, and the vast grounds to maintain and restore. Indeed, in the Benedictine tradition, our whole community lives their work, without allowing it to take away from a life of prayer, a welcoming spirit and a deepening of faith.