Traditional Benedictine monks take over abbey from departing Cistercians

Monks from Le Barroux Settle in Bellefontaine: "We are first and foremost men of prayer"

Bellefontaine Abbey (49) is preparing to welcome twelve Benedictine monks from Sainte-Madeleine Abbey in Le Barroux (84) next summer. Dom Louis-Marie, Abbot, discusses this monastic transmission and answers questions raised by their attachment to the traditional liturgy.

A historic turning point is emerging for Bellefontaine Abbey, near Cholet. In the summer of 2025, twelve Benedictine monks from Sainte-Madeleine du Barroux Abbey will take over from the Cistercian community, which is forced to withdraw due to the advanced age of its members. Dom Louis-Marie, Abbot of Barroux, spoke with RCF Anjou about the circumstances of this move and the unique characteristics of his community.

A call from the Lord

For Dom Louis-Marie, this arrival in Anjou stems from a spiritual discernment. "From the beginning, it's been about following the signs from heaven and the signs of the Lord," he explains. The process began a little over a year ago, when the monks of Barroux learned of the closure of Bellefontaine Abbey. "There are more than 60 of us at Sainte-Madeleine-du-Barroux Abbey, with a monastery that was originally built for 40 monks," the Abbot specifies.

The community's vote was "largely positive," confirming the legitimacy of this foundation. The transmission is seamless: "The Trappists are Benedictines. We are also Benedictines," emphasizes Dom Louis-Marie, recalling that the founder of his monastic family, Father Muard, was trained by Trappists.

A unique history

The Barroux Abbey was founded in 1970 by Dom Gérard, a monk from the Abbey of Tournai who wished to "continue in a different way what he had come to do" in the face of the post-Vatican II liturgical changes. Initially established in a small priory in Bédoin, at the foot of Mont Ventoux, he welcomed "about thirty young men" in the 1970s and 80s, necessitating the construction of a new monastery.

After associating with Archbishop Lefebvre for ordinations and confirmations, the community chose in 1988 not to follow episcopal consecrations. “The Holy See recognized our community,” recalls Dom Louis-Marie, who entered Le Barroux in 1991 with “two very important principles: to celebrate the Traditional Latin Mass, but also to be attached to the Holy See. And for me, that was non-negotiable.”

Rooted in Tradition

The attachment to the traditional liturgy stems from a desire for rootedness in the face of “a somewhat revolutionary spirit” perceived after Vatican II. Dom Gérard, trained by André Charlier, established three pillars: a realistic philosophy, monastic observance inherited from the ancients, and “this love of the so-called traditional liturgy, with all its sacred, hieratic, and immutable character.”

“Young people who draw closer to the Lord through the pedagogical means of tradition are looking for clarity, truly clarity, an identity,” observes the abbot. He also mentions “the notion of beauty”: “I am always amazed by the beauty of the traditional liturgy. A beauty made of true simplicity, but a profound beauty, and in my opinion, one that is unsurpassed and never grows old.”

A shift in perception

Dom Louis-Marie notes a change in how his community is viewed: “We were perhaps once seen first as traditionalists, then as Benedictines, and finally as Catholics. Now, with all the contacts we’ve had, the perception has reversed.”

This recognition is explained by “human contact” and by the scarcity of vocations in the Church. “Some dioceses haven’t had an ordination for a very long time.” “So, naturally, nature abhors a vacuum,” he observes pragmatically.

Traditionis Custodes: an “imprudent” act

Regarding Pope Francis’s Motu Oroprio restricting the traditional liturgy, Dom Louis-Marie is critical: “I saw it as a legitimate act, but a highly imprudent one.” He regrets that the promises made at Le Barroux in 1988 seemed to be called into question, even though the local implementation “was entirely appropriate.”

He considers the motivations “rather ideological,” believing that “the overall assessment was still very positive” before Traditionis Custodes. With Pope Leo XIV, he hopes for a “more just and broader” implementation.

“We are men of prayer”

Faced with the concerns that their arrival might raise, Dom Louis-Marie reiterates the essential point: “We are men of prayer, and that is our office.”

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