Manoir de Beaujeu

Time for reflection in a busy world

About

  • History
  • Historical Background

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    In 1826, Sir John Simpson had a magnificent stone residence built on a tract of land situated near Les Cascades, on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, 30 miles West of Montreal. The design of the building was inspired by the French Renaissance style of architecture prevalent in the 18th century. The house was 62 feet in length, 40 feet wide and 31 feet high, and overlooked the waters of the St. Lawrence near Coteau-du-Lac. Sir John rarely occupied his beautiful new home, however, and on August 2, 1831, he sold it to Count Jacques-Philippe Saveuse de Beaujeu (1770-1832), 4th Seigneur of Soulanges. The Count adopted the edifice as his new seigniorial manor or Manoir - this is when the structure took on the name Manoir de Beaujeu.

    The Foundation for Culture and Education (FCE) purchased the premises on October 28, 1964, as the property’s 20th owner. FCE acquired the Manoir de Beaujeu as a retreat and conference centre. Faithful of the Prelature of Opus Dei conduct the retreats and other activities organized at the Manoir.

    Opus Dei is a Catholic institution founded by Saint Josemaria Escriva in 1928. It was made a personal prelature in 1983 by Saint John Paul II. Its mission is to spread the message that work and the circumstances of everyday life are occasions for growing closer to God, for serving others, and for improving society.
  • Activities
  • Activities

    The Manoir seeks to contribute to the renewal and transformation of Canadian society for the greatest possible good of individuals and families. It does this by providing people from all walks of life with a spiritual, intellectual and human formation that awakens in them the awareness of their potential and their unique mission in society. Through this formation individuals learn to become leaders, persons of integrity and virtue who seek to lead lives of love, service and faith.

    The Manoir is used all year around for a wide variety of activities.

    Spiritual retreats aim at helping participants build the strength needed to make one’s Faith the foundation of daily activity.

    Leadership seminars for students to integrate excellent work skills, with intellectual and character traits imbued with a spirit of service.

    Workshops on family issues geared at helping parents understand the importance of family life and values, and of raising them to be mature and morally upright members of society.

    Professional Development Workshops which analyze ethical issues linked to different professions in light of the Church’s moral teaching.

    Theology and Philosophy Workshops constitute one of the main ways for men and women from across the country to obtain the preparation they need to carry out carry out similar activities in the different Canadian cities where they live. These many and varied activities, in turn, benefit thousands of Canadians across the country who participate in them every year.

    There is also a yearly family day held at the Manoir.

    In sum, the Manoir serves as an incubator that provides participants with the preparation and help they need to become a force for positive social change, each one in his own professional family and social milieu.

  • Soulanges
  • Soulanges

    The beautiful setting and excellent service of the Manoir reflects the highly dedicated team of professionals hard at work behind the scenes. This team is the hospitality staff of the Manoir.

    Countless small details that make each individual visitor feel at home. The hospitality staff at the Manoir are a living example of how the spirit of Opus Dei can be lived at the highest level through domestic and material work. They attend to countless household tasks with a perfection that animates what St. Josemaria call a bright and cheerful home. Their knowledge and talents also provide a model for women who manage their own homes and families and thus promote homemaking as a true art.

    The work of the staff extends beyond the Manoir, both directly and indirectly. In a direct way it offers jobs and professional training opportunities to high school and young college women. The one-on-one training allows each person to develop her aptitudes with a personal growth in culture, ethical values and Christian virtues. The programs create an atmosphere of professionalism and a sense of responsibility. This gives these young people the maturity and self-confidence needed to help enrich the lives of others.

    Indirectly, the work of the Manoir’s permanent staff impacts society through the thousands of men and women of all ages who attend activities at the Manoir. The dedication of the staff combined with their professional expertise are essential to the great success enjoyed by the activities that take place at the Manoir.

    In addition to running the Conference Centre, the hospitality staff provides a host of on-site and off-site activities for women of the area such as leadership seminars and social service opportunities for students, and workshops on family issues and home management for mothers.

    CGHS - Centre de gestion hôtelière Soulanges
    506, Chemin du Fleuve
    Coteau-du-Lac, QC J0P 1B0
    450-763-5507
    info@cghsoulanges.org
    www.cghsoulanges.org
  • Expansion
  • Expansion plans

    Phase I of the Manoir expansion project was completed in May of 1995. With the addition of a new wing more guests can be hosted for the Manoir activities. The construction of the new staff facility, phase II, started in the summer of 2002, was completed and includes:

    • a chapel for 40 people;
    • a 20 bedroom residence for the on-site staff and visiting students or interns;
    • kitchen and laundry areas designed with very clear educational purposes;
    • a classroom/library for 30 people;
    • a gym.

    Phase II added 45,000 square feet for a total cost, including furniture and equipment, of $10 millions. This was made possible by the generaous donations by many people. At the same time, FCE had to take financial commitments and hopes to be able to continue to count on the growing generosity of its donors. This will allow us to plan phase III of the expansion which we hope to complete in the near future.

    The Manoir’s activities awaken in individuals the awareness of their unique mission in society to be unfolded and carried out in their family life, in their work and in their social relations. These activities provide the participants with spiritual and cultural enrichment according to Christian ideals, thereby preparing and equipping them to make a difference in their own milieu. This expansion is very important for the future of the Manoir and for this growing role as an incubator for positive social change in society.
  • Photos