In France, an utter catastrophe for the Church. Closure of monastery that symbolizes Catholic civilisation
After nearly 900 years of monastic life, the monks of La Trappe Abbey are considering leaving in 2028.
This announcement comes amid a decline in vocations and difficulties related to maintaining a monastic heritage that has become too burdensome.
In a press release issued on March 6, 2026, the monks explained that they are "considering leaving by 2028." This decision marks a turning point for this monastery, founded in the 12th century and which has become, over time, one of the symbols of the Cistercian tradition. The announcement has stirred strong emotions in the region. As the community itself emphasizes, "while not a catastrophe, it is clearly a page of history about to turn." The monks were quick to clarify that this consideration does not mean the immediate closure or sale of the monastery.
The Abbot stated in the press release: “No, La Trappe Abbey has not closed and has not been sold.” He added that “the brothers are still here, faithful to prayer and work, and activities (hospitality, shop, etc.) are continuing as normal.” Monastic life is therefore continuing for the time being according to the community’s usual rhythm, marked by daily liturgy, silence, and work.
At the Sources of Benedictine and Cistercian Life
La Trappe Abbey is part of the great Western monastic tradition stemming from Saint Benedict. In the 6th century, in Italy, Saint Benedict (480-547) wrote the Rule of Saint Benedict for the monks living in community at Monte Cassino, near Rome. This foundational text proposes a life centered on the search for God through fraternal charity, humility, and obedience, in a balance between prayer and work. The Benedictine Rule spread rapidly throughout Europe. In the 11th century, the founders of Cîteaux Abbey, Robert of Molesme, Alberic, and Stephen Harding, sought to revive a more faithful and simpler observance of this monastic tradition. From 1112 onward, under the impetus of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, the Cistercian Order developed rapidly and founded numerous monasteries across Europe.
The history of the La Trappe site begins in the early 12th century. The place likely takes its name from the traps once used for hunting in this wooded region of Perche.
These lands then belonged to Rotrou III, Count of Perche. In 1120, a tragic event deeply affected this lord: a ship carrying many English nobles was wrecked, causing the death of approximately three hundred people. Among the victims was Matilda, daughter of the King of England and wife of Rotrou. In memory of this maritime disaster, the Count had an oratory dedicated to the Virgin Mary built at La Trappe. Around 1140, he had a monastery built near this oratory and installed monks from the Abbey of Breuil-Benoît, near Dreux. The first monastic community of La Trappe was thus established. In 1147, the abbey joined the Cistercian Order along with the entire Savigny congregation. The monks fully embraced the Cistercian principles of poverty, simplicity of life, and sobriety in prayer.
After a period of prosperity, the abbey was struck by the violence of the Hundred Years' War. Located in a border region between Normandy and the Perche, it found itself repeatedly at the heart of clashes between English and French armies.
The monks sometimes had to leave their monastery to take refuge in the fortified castle of Bonsmoulins. The abbey was partially burned and pillaged, notably in 1376 and again in 1465. Once the war was over, reconstruction began. But the community faced another challenge with the introduction of the commendatory system. Under this system, an abbot appointed by the royal power received the monastery's revenues without necessarily living with the community or ensuring the observance of the rule. In the 17th century, the abbey was deeply weakened when a pivotal figure in its history emerged: Armand-Jean Le Bouthillier de Rancé (1626-1700). Godson of Cardinal Richelieu, this commendatory abbot initially pursued a worldly career. But the death of a close friend led to a spiritual conversion. After a period of retreat, he decided to rejoin the community and became the abbot of the monastery. He then undertook a profound reform of monastic life. Driven by a demanding ideal, he introduced austere discipline, rigorous silence, and an intense life of prayer. This reform, approved by Pope Innocent XI, brought great spiritual renown to La Trappe. The monastery became one of the most fervent and austere in the Kingdom of France.
The French Revolution presented a new ordeal for the community. The monks were dispersed, and some died as martyrs.
Under the leadership of Dom Augustin de Lestrange, some of them found refuge in Switzerland, at the former Charterhouse of La Valsainte. There, they led an even more austere life than in the time of Abbot de Rancé. Pursued by the revolutionary armies, they then crossed several European countries in a long wandering that led them as far as Russia. It was thanks to these monks from La Trappe, joined by numerous postulants, that the Cistercian tradition then developed in several regions of Europe and in America. When the monks were able to return to France in 1815, the abbey was almost entirely in ruins. It was gradually rebuilt in the 19th century, notably during the abbacies of Dom Joseph-Marie Hercelin and Dom Étienne Salasc. The current buildings, in the Neo-Gothic style, largely date from this period.
La Trappe in the Contemporary Church
In the 20th century, monastic life at La Trappe also evolved within the context of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). The traditional distinction between choir monks and lay brothers disappeared, the liturgy was reformed, and the constitutions of the order were renewed in 1990. The community also contributed to the founding of several monasteries, notably Tre Fontane in Italy, Bellefontaine in Anjou, Timadeuc in Brittany, and Échourgnac in the Dordogne. The abbacy of Dom Marie-Gérard Dubois, from 1977 to 2003, was marked by significant liturgical reforms and a greater openness of the abbey to the faithful and visitors. A new chapter began in 2004 with the election of Dom Guerric Reitz-Séjotte.
Despite its remarkable history, the community now faces significant challenges.
The monks cite, in particular, "the scarcity of vocations and the increasingly heavy burden of land ownership." These difficulties affect many abbeys in Europe. The community also clarifies that the property is "not yet for sale." However, discussions are underway regarding the future: "We are currently in discussions with other communities to find more suitable solutions, more relevant both economically and spiritually. The situation has been difficult for several decades now, and many other abbeys have already changed hands."
For the monks, this prospect represents a difficult step. In their statement, they write:
"The warmer months will once again offer guided tours led by the brothers. They hope for your understanding and support during this important stage in their journey." The departure of the brothers, very demanding and painful for them, will undoubtedly be deeply upsetting for all those attached, sometimes for generations, to the community. For the time being, monastic life continues at La Trappe. The monks continue to lead their lives of prayer, silence, and work, in the spirit of the Benedictine tradition. But if the planned departure in 2028 were to be confirmed, it would mark the end of a monastic presence that has been almost uninterrupted for nine centuries in this emblematic site of the Perche region. A significant turning point for local religious history, but also for one of the monasteries that has most profoundly shaped the Cistercian tradition in France.
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