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.
Key Facts
- ›Founded on August 5, 1850, the feast day of our Lady of the Snows.
- ›Elevated to an abbey with the election of its first abbot in 1874.
- ›Visited by author Robert Louis Stevenson in 1878.
- ›Suffered a fire in 1912 and was subsequently rebuilt.
- ›Resettled by Cistercian nuns in December 2022.
- ›The nuns engage in revenue-generating activities such as selling spring water and essential oils.
- Located Within the Commune of Saint-Laurent-Les-Bains
- Site of Historical Significance, Including A Visit By Robert Louis Stevenson
Our Lady of the Snows
Robert Louis Stevenson, Charles De Foucauld, Polycarpe Marthoud
- Destroyed and Sold Off During the French Revolution
- Rebuilt After A Fire In 1912
- Closed Due To Lack of Novices In January 2022
- Resettled By Cistercian Nuns In December 2022
About Abbey of Notre-Dame des Neiges
The Abbey of Notre-Dame des Neiges, also known as Our Lady of the Snows, is a Cistercian monastery situated in the Ardèche département of south-central France. Originally established as a Trappist monastery in 1850, it holds a place in regional history, having been resettled by Cistercian nuns in December 2022.
History and Context
Prior to the French Revolution, the region was home to several Cistercian monasteries, including Mazan Abbey, Les Chambons Abbey, and Mercoire Abbey. These were destroyed and their assets sold during the Revolution. The foundation of Notre-Dame des Neiges began with the purchase of a former barn of Les Chambons Abbey in 1791. After initial hesitation, Aiguebelle Abbey accepted the offer to re-establish monastic life on the site, officially founding the monastery on August 5, 1850, the feast day of Our Lady of the Snows. By 1874, the priory had grown to 90 members and was elevated to an abbey with the election of its first abbot, Polycarpe Marthoud.
The abbey's history includes notable visitors and periods of challenge. In 1878, the author Robert Louis Stevenson visited the monastery during a hiking trip he later described in "Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes." The monastery faced threats of expulsion in 1880, leading to the establishment of a refuge in Akbès, Syria. Charles de Foucauld entered the monastery as a novice in 1890, adopting the religious name Marie-Albéric.
Resilience and Transition
The Abbey of Notre-Dame des Neiges suffered a significant fire in 1912, necessitating its rebuilding. In more recent times, the monastery faced closure in January 2022 due to a decline in novices and the passing of brothers. However, the spirit of monasticism persisted, and in December 2022, eight Cistercian nuns from St Mary's Abbey in Boulaur resettled the abbey. By 2024, their community had grown to twelve.
Modern Activities
The Cistercian nuns currently residing at Notre-Dame des Neiges engage in various revenue-generating activities to support the community. These include the production and sale of spring water, essential oils, soap, and other cleaning products, reflecting a continuation of traditional monastic self-sufficiency adapted to contemporary needs.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Abbey of Notre-Dame des Neiges founded?
The monastery was officially founded on August 5, 1850. This date was chosen as it is the feast day of Our Lady of the Snows.
What is the current status of the Abbey of Notre-Dame des Neiges?
The abbey was resettled by Cistercian nuns in December 2022. It had previously been closed due to a lack of novices.
Has the abbey always been a Cistercian monastery?
The abbey was founded as a Trappist monastery, a branch of the Cistercian order. In 2022, it was resettled by Cistercian nuns.
What historical figures are associated with the abbey?
Robert Louis Stevenson visited the abbey in 1878 and documented his experience. Charles de Foucauld entered the monastery as a novice in 1890.
What happened to the abbey in 1912?
The monastery was burned down in a fire in 1912. It was subsequently rebuilt.
What are the nuns at the abbey known for doing?
The Cistercian nuns at Notre-Dame des Neiges are involved in revenue-generating activities. These include the sale of spring water, essential oils, soap, and other cleaning products.
Related Monasteries
Castagniers Abbey
Castagniers Abbey, also known as Abbaye Notre-Dame de la Paix de Castagniers, is a Cistercian nunnery located in Castagniers, France. Founded as a community for women in the mid-19th century, it was established in its current location in 1930 and elevated to the rank of an abbey in 1962. The abbey is recognized for its active community, including a chocolate factory run by the nuns and a guest house for retreats.
Our Lady of the Snows
Our Lady of the Snows is a Cistercian monastery located in the Ardèche département of south-central France. Founded in 1850 on the feast day of its patron, it was originally a Trappist monastery but was resettled by Cistercian nuns in 2022. The abbey has a history marked by periods of persecution and rebuilding, notably surviving a fire in 1912 and being temporarily closed due to a lack of novices before its recent revival.
Mariastern Abbey
Mariastern Abbey is a Cistercian nunnery located in Hohenweiler, Austria, established in 1856. It serves as the mother house for Marienfeld Abbey, founded in 1974. As of 2015, the abbey was home to 25 sisters.