Boulaur
Cistercian·France·Active (with plans to resettle)·12th century
Boulaur Abbey, officially known as St Mary's Abbey, Boulaur, is a Cistercian monastery for nuns located in the Gers department of southwestern France. Originally established as a priory of the Order of Fontevraud in the 12th century, it was suppressed during the French Revolution. The abbey was re-established by Cistercian nuns in the late 19th century, experienced a temporary expulsion, and saw monastic life definitively restored in 1949. The community, which numbered around 30 nuns in 2011, has since declared its intention to relocate to the Trappist Abbey of Notre-Dame des Neiges.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in the 12th century as a priory of the Order of Fontevraud.
- ›Re-established by Cistercian nuns in the late 19th century.
- ›Experienced expulsion under the Associations Act of 1901.
- ›Monastic life was definitively restored in 1949.
- ›Had approximately 30 nuns in 2011.
- ›Community declared intention to resettle the Trappist Abbey of Notre-Dame des Neiges in 2022.
St Mary's Abbey, Boulaur, Abbaye Sainte-Marie De Boulaur, Bonlau
- Abolished During the French Revolution
- Reinstated By Cistercian Nuns At the End of the 19th Century
- Expelled Under the Associations Act of 1901
- Monastic Life Definitively Restored In 1949
- Declaration of Intention To Resettle the Trappist Abbey of Notre-Dame Des Neiges In 2022
About Boulaur
Boulaur Abbey
Boulaur Abbey, also known as St Mary's Abbey, Boulaur (Abbaye Sainte-Marie de Boulaur), is a significant Cistercian monastery for nuns situated in the Gers department of southwestern France. Its history traces back to the 12th century when it was established as a priory under the Order of Fontevraud. This initial foundation was disrupted and abolished during the tumultuous period of the French Revolution.
Restoration and Modern Life
The spirit of monastic life was rekindled at Boulaur in the late 19th century when Cistercian nuns re-established the abbey. However, this period of revival was marked by challenges, including an expulsion under the Associations Act of 1901 (the Waldeck-Rousseau Law). Despite these setbacks, monastic life found definitive restoration in 1949. By 2011, the community comprised approximately 30 nuns. In a notable development in 2022, the community announced their intention to resettle the Trappist Abbey of Notre-Dame des Neiges, signaling a new chapter in their history.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Boulaur Abbey founded?
Boulaur Abbey was founded in the 12th century. It was initially established as a priory belonging to the Order of Fontevraud.
What religious order founded Boulaur Abbey?
The abbey was originally founded by the Order of Fontevraud. Later, Cistercian nuns re-established the community.
What is the current status of Boulaur Abbey?
Monastic life was definitively restored in 1949 and the community of Cistercian nuns continued to reside there. In 2022, the community declared their intention to resettle the Trappist Abbey of Notre-Dame des Neiges, indicating a potential change in the abbey's operational status.
How many nuns were at Boulaur Abbey in recent years?
In 2011, the community at Boulaur Abbey consisted of about 30 nuns.
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