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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.

Key Facts

  • Founded in 1875.
  • Home to approximately 40 Benedictine monks.
  • Follows the Rule of St. Benedict.
  • Belongs to the Subiaco Cassinese Congregation.
  • Principally supports itself by producing the ewes' milk cheese, Abbaye de Belloc.
  • Offers hospitality and spiritual guidance.
Belloc Abbey
Founding Date
1875
Notable Features

Abbaye De Belloc Cheese, Bookshop, Illumination and Calligraphy Workshops

Location Details
Urt, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France
Alternative Names

Abbey of Notre-Dame De Belloc, Abbaye De Belloc, Abbaye Notre-Dame De Belloc

Denomination Or Order
Subiaco Cassinese Congregation

About Belloc Abbey

Belloc Abbey, also known by its French name Abbaye de Belloc or Abbaye Notre-Dame de Belloc, is a Benedictine monastery situated in Urt, within the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department of France. Founded in 1875, the abbey has established itself as a center for monastic life and a contributor to its local economy.

Community and Practice

The community at Belloc Abbey comprises approximately 40 monks who adhere to the ancient Rule of Saint Benedict. They are affiliated with the Subiaco Cassinese Congregation, a branch of the Benedictine order known for its commitment to prayer, work, and hospitality. The monks offer a welcoming environment for men, households, and groups seeking spiritual direction or a place of quiet contemplation.

Economic and Artistic Activities

To sustain their community, the monks of Belloc Abbey are renowned for producing a distinctive ewes' milk cheese, commercially known as Abbaye de Belloc. This artisanal cheese is a principal product that supports the monastery's operations. Beyond their cheesemaking, the brothers also engage in artistic endeavors, including illumination and calligraphy, and maintain a bookshop open to the public, further contributing to the abbey's engagement with visitors and the wider community.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Belloc Abbey founded?

Belloc Abbey was founded in the year 1875. It has a history dating back to the late 19th century.

What religious tradition does Belloc Abbey belong to?

Belloc Abbey is a Benedictine monastery. The community follows the Rule of St. Benedict and is affiliated with the Subiaco Cassinese Congregation.

What is Belloc Abbey known for producing?

The monks at Belloc Abbey are primarily known for making a distinctive ewes' milk cheese called Abbaye de Belloc. This cheese is a principal means of support for the monastery.

What activities do the monks at Belloc Abbey engage in besides cheesemaking?

In addition to producing cheese, the monks at Belloc Abbey also engage in illumination and calligraphy. They also operate a bookshop that is open to the public.

Does Belloc Abbey offer spiritual services?

Yes, Belloc Abbey offers hospitality to men, households, and groups seeking silence or spiritual guidance. The monks provide support in these areas.