Abbey of la Pierre-qui-Vire
The Abbey of la Pierre-qui-Vire is a Benedictine monastery founded in 1850 in the Morvan forests of France. Named after a large, historically mobile stone, the abbey was established by Father Jean-Baptiste Muard and became part of the Subiaco Congregation. Despite periods of exile due to anti-clerical legislation, the community was re-established and is today known for its cheese production and its publishing house, Éditions Zodiaque, which specializes in Romanesque art.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1850 by Father Jean-Baptiste Muard.
- ›Named after a "pierre qui vire" (rocking stone).
- ›Joined the Subiaco Congregation of the Benedictine order in 1859.
- ›Forced into exile twice due to French anti-clerical legislation.
- ›Re-established at its home in 1921.
- ›Known for producing goat and cow's milk cheeses and publishing books on Romanesque art.
Rocking Stone, éDitions Zodiaque Publishing House, Cheese Production
- Abbaye De La Pierre-Qui-Vire
- Abbaye De De Sainte-Marie De La Pierre-Qui-Vire
Jean-Baptiste Muard, Bernard Moreau, éTienne Denis, LéAndre Lemoine, Fulbert GlorièS, Placide De Roton, Denis Huerre, Damase Duvillier, Luc Cornuau
Founded In 1850, Joined Subiaco Congregation In 1859, Exiled In 1880, Exiled In 1904, Re-Established In 1921
About Abbey of la Pierre-qui-Vire
The Abbey of la Pierre-qui-Vire
The Abbey of la Pierre-qui-Vire, situated in the serene forests of the Morvan region in Saint-Léger-Vauban, France, is a Benedictine monastery with a history dating back to its founding in 1850. The abbey derives its distinctive name from a large "pierre qui vire," or rocking stone, which was historically capable of being moved by human touch. Since 1853, this prominent natural feature has been stabilized and is now crowned by a statue of the Virgin Mary.
Foundation and Early Years
The congregation was initiated by Father Jean-Baptiste Muard, a priest inspired by the Benedictine Rule following a visit to Subiaco, Italy. After completing his monastic novitiate, Muard established the community on a six-hectare property generously donated by the Chastellux family. The monastery's location is noted for its woodland setting and proximity to the Trinquelin stream, which flows through granite formations. Father Muard passed away in 1854, but the community, which had grown to approximately twenty brothers by 1857, embarked on the construction of the substantial abbey that exists today. In 1859, the monks formally joined the Subiaco Congregation, aligning themselves with a significant branch of the Benedictine order.
Resilience Through Adversity
The Abbey of la Pierre-qui-Vire faced significant challenges due to anti-clerical legislation enacted in France. These laws necessitated the monks' exile on two occasions, in 1880 and again in 1904. During these periods of displacement, some members of the community were instrumental in the re-founding and rebuilding of Buckfast Abbey in Devon, England. The monastic community was only able to return and re-establish itself at its original home in 1921.
Modern Contributions
Today, the monks of la Pierre-qui-Vire are widely recognized for their artisanal cheese-making, producing both goat's and cow's milk cheeses that are savored throughout the region. The abbey also maintains a significant cultural presence through its publishing house, Éditions Zodiaque. Founded in 1951, Éditions Zodiaque has made a name for itself by specializing in the publication of works on Romanesque art, with volumes formerly printed at the abbey until 2002.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Abbey of la Pierre-qui-Vire founded?
The Abbey of la Pierre-qui-Vire was founded in 1850. Its establishment was initiated by Father Jean-Baptiste Muard, who was inspired by the Rule of Saint Benedict.
What is the origin of the name 'Pierre-qui-Vire'?
The abbey is named after a large rocking stone, known as a "pierre qui vire" in French. Historically, this stone could be moved by a human hand, though it has been fixed in place since 1853 and is now topped with a statue of the Virgin Mary.
What religious order is associated with the Abbey of la Pierre-qui-Vire?
The abbey is a Benedictine monastery. In 1859, the monks joined the Subiaco Congregation of the Benedictine order.
Has the abbey always been in operation at its current location?
No, the abbey experienced periods of exile due to anti-clerical legislation in France, first in 1880 and again in 1904. The monastic community was not re-established at its home until 1921.
What is the Abbey of la Pierre-qui-Vire known for today?
Presently, the monks are recognized for their production of cheeses made from goat's or cow's milk, which are popular regionally. Additionally, the abbey is well-known for its publishing house, Éditions Zodiaque, which specializes in Romanesque art.
Related Monasteries
Solesmes Congregation
The Solesmes Congregation is an association of monasteries within the Benedictine Confederation, currently headed by the Abbey of Solesmes. Founded in 1837 as the French Benedictine Congregation by Pope Gregory XVI, its primary aim was to revive monastic life in France after its devastation during the French Revolution, spearheaded by Dom Prosper Guéranger. The congregation is known for its adherence to the pre-conciliar Latin liturgy and its focus on Gregorian chant, with one of its abbeys achieving international fame for its recordings.
Abbey of Notre-Dame des Neiges
The Abbey of Notre-Dame des Neiges is a Cistercian monastery located in the Ardèche département of south-central France. Originally founded as a Trappist monastery in 1850, it was resettled by Cistercian nuns in 2022 after a period of closure due to a lack of novices. The abbey is known for its historical significance, including a visit by Robert Louis Stevenson and its role as a refuge during periods of persecution.
Belloc Abbey
Belloc Abbey, officially known as the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Belloc, is a Benedictine monastery established in 1875 in Urt, within the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region of France. The community adheres to the Rule of Saint Benedict and is part of the Subiaco Cassinese Congregation. The monastery is known for its production of ewes' milk cheese, named Abbaye de Belloc, and offers hospitality and spiritual guidance to visitors.