We follow the way of Belle Coeur ~ the "Beautiful Heart"~
a template of enrichment and nurturance for our spiritual and creative practices.
The Sisterhood was founded in 2013 by Sibyl Dana Reynolds, author of the historical novel Ink and Honey and the spiritual companion book The Way of Belle Coeur: A Woman's Vade Mecum. Sister Sibyl is a retired bishop of Roman Catholic Women Priests and a Spiritual Director. She founded the Sisters of Belle Coeur as a contemporary spiritual community inspired by the medieval women's movement, the Beguines, and the Sisterhood of Belle Coeur depicted in Ink and Honey.
Overview of Belle Coeur Spirituality
The holistic cosmology of The Way of Belle Coeur; is the basis of our spiritual practices.
Belle Coeur is a Christ-centered, contemplative community that places emphasis on spiritual practices and creativity, through the Sacred Life Arts. The Way of Belle Coeur: A Woman's Vade Mecum, a companion guidebook for Sibyl's novel, Ink and Honey, provides prayers, spiritual and creative practices, and wisdom for our daily life.
- Our spirituality follows the way of Belle Coeur, a holistic cosmology consisting of four pathways: Spirit, Sacrament, Sisterhood, and Service.
- Four alchemical chambers of sacred practices nurture our creative hearts and spirits: Devotion, Craft, Study, and Story.
- The compass at the "heart-center" of the way of Belle Coeur represents Jesus Christ, the Beloved.
- Our template is encircled by the spirit of Wisdom Sophia, the Sacred Feminine, representing all of Creation.
Who are the Sisters of Belle Coeur?
Belle Coeur sisters are single, married, and partnered women. We are artists, writers, homemakers, clergy, consultants, beekeepers, and professionals - both active and retired. Belle Coeur is an ecumenical and inclusive community. Each woman is honored for her particular charism, that is, the particular creative and spiritual gifts that enrich our community. We acknowledge and embrace our differences, respecting each woman as an individual and also a part of the greater whole.
A Belle Coeur Sister is encouraged to "grow her wisdom" through the four sacred forms of practice. She is invited to create and keep a special journal known as her Belle Coeur Sacred Wisdom Codex, as a reliquary for all that inspires her creative heart and spirit.
Service and ministry are also important for Belle Coeur sisters. Each sister shares her charism to serve the greater good, according to her particular calling. It is our intent to foster beauty and hope in the world through our personal, creative, and spiritual forms of expression. One of our ministries is a public Prayer Ministry Our Sisters would be honored to include your intentions in our daily prayers. All requests remain confidential within the Sisterhood and may be submitted using the form on the Prayer Request page.
The Belle Coeur Formation Program
Those who feel called to explore The Way of Belle Coeur are invited to enter into a period of discernment and submit an application for consideration as a "novitiate" – a woman "in formation" to become a Sister or Companion of Belle Coeur. Belle Coeur formation is offered as a self-study formation program that includes online materials and one-on-one mentoring from an existing Sister of Belle Couer. Learn more about our Formation Program.