Trappist monks leave Bellefontaine

For several years, the Cistercian community of Bellefontaine (France) has been questioning its future. Initially, it sought to adapt its community premises to accommodate a smaller number of brothers, but over time it realised that the brothers could not continue to live alone on this 19th-century property covering 120 hectares, which had become too large for a small group of monks whose average age had reached 80. So it explored the possibility of partnering with associations with which it could share its living space. Various obstacles arose, forcing it to abandon this project. It was a great disappointment and also a great trial for the brothers, as well as for the two associations with which the community had worked so closely. The Trappist brothers are joining other communities and some are moving to a retirement home run by the Sisters of the Congregation of Saint Mary of Torfou.

But the abbey will continue to live on! Benedictine monks from the Abbey of Barroux (France) will be able to take up the torch of monastic life and settle in Bellefontaine in 2026.

So, on 13 November, the feast of All Saints' Day, Bellefontaine Abbey will temporarily close its doors. There will no longer be services open to the public, but two brothers from the community will continue to live on site. With the help of the employees present on the site, they will maintain economic activities, in particular the production of apples and kiwis. They will also, of course, ensure the smooth running of the shop, while awaiting the arrival of a new monastic community at the end of spring.

http://bellefontaine-abbaye.com/

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