Who we are

We are a Catholic, contemplative, and active religious community

Founded in France in 1973 by two married couples who experienced an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and an intimacy with God. They felt called to live in community close to the lives of the first followers of Jesus. That’s how the community was born.

Mathew 5 Beatitudes

Our name

The Beatitudes: Our path to happiness

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus announces the eight beatitudes. “Blessed” expresses the promise of happiness, joy, and a fulfilling life of faith. This is despite or especially in the face of the challenges and miseries of the world and the reality within us.

Bearing witness to the goodness and holiness of God through the poverty we face in and around us means becoming a person of the Beatitudes.

Community of the Beatitudes: Brothers, priests, sisters and lay people

Beatitudes Community

An ecclesial family of consecrated life

The Community of the Beatitudes is present on all continents and brings together people of various vocations, reflecting the people of God living in communion and sharing their various gifts. The community consists of married couples, single individuals, and consecrated sisters and brothers, including priests.

in the holy land

The community in Emmaus

Who lives in Emmaus?

It is possible to visit or stay with us. Just reach out and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Pray & Work

A typical day in Emmaus

6:30
Mass with morning prayer (Lauds)
7:30
Lectio Divina
8:00
Breakfast
8:30
Work/Study/1 hour Adoration
12:30
Rosary, Lunch
14:00
Work/Study/1 hour Adoration
18:30
Evening prayer (Vespers), Dinner
Activities

What we do in Emmaus

Due to the evolving situation in the Middle East, we have greatly reduced most of our activities. They helped us cover our ongoing living costs. Additionally, a wildfire in May 2025 caused significant property damage. All donations are greatly appreciated at this time.

Spirituality

Jewish-Christian dialogue

One of the founding principles of the community is its spiritual relationship with the Jewish people. Since 1975, the community has maintained friendships and dialogue with Jewish communities and individuals in Israel and around the world. This aspect is particularly tangible in the community of Emmaus.

Ways to meet

Come and say hi, if you live nearby!

Now that you know a little about us, we would like to get to know you. Here are some ideas for you to meet us:
A spontaneous visit

Check our hours and stop by our shop to say hi. Someone will always be there to talk to you. If you haven’t tried our local products yet, be sure to buy some to enjoy at home.

Let's meet & tour the site together

We want to make sure we have enough time for you, so you can call us to arrange a meet and greet with one of our brothers or sisters. They will be happy to show you around and answer all your questions.

Why not give us a helping hand?

Join us for a day or half a day once a week, or once a month. It’s a great way to get to know each other! We have plenty of tasks we could do together. Coffee, tea, and lunch are on the house.

FAq

Ask us anything

Our purpose is to inspire people to visit the Holy Land, allow the pilgrims to follow Jesus’ footsteps, and experience the Scriptures in a new way. We hope those who visit will deepen their relationship with God and enrich their spiritual lives through this experience. Many of our past guests have confirmed that the Holy Land has had a lasting impact on their lives. We want to share with others what we have received from this place.

We are also here to build personal, concrete relationships with the people who live in this country. This can be done by working, learning, or praying together. It’s a hands-on experience that allows you to face the complexities and challenges of daily life here. It’s also an opportunity to rejoice when bridges are built and when we get to know one another in a deep, respectful way.

We have a menorah in our chapel because the Torah (Pentateuch) mentions it. It is a powerful symbol of God’s presence among us.

Voices of visitors

⁠⁠I would really recommend not just taking a day trip to Emmaus, but staying for a while, finding some peace and quiet, and worshiping Jesus... Why? Well, it's just always better that way ;-).
Ricarda, 20
From Switzerland

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Come & See​
Say hi or stay longer – our doors are open. We are looking forward to meeting you.​
Support us
Volunteering, prayers or donations: We are grateful for your help.