Congregation of the Feuillants

The Congregation of the Feuillants was a Catholic reform movement that emerged in the latter half of the 16th century. Originating from the Cistercian Abbey of Les Feuillants near Toulouse, France, it declared itself an independent order in 1589. The congregation became known for its exceptionally rigorous asceticism, a departure even from the demanding Cistercian rule.

History and Reform

The reform movement began in earnest in the 1570s under Abbot Jean de la Barrière at Les Feuillants Abbey, founded in 1145. Barrière sought to reintroduce a more austere interpretation of the Cistercian rule, which was met with initial resistance from the existing monks. The reform included strict dietary regimens, renunciation of comforts like tables and pillows, and a significant emphasis on silence and manual labor. Despite opposition, the reform gained papal approval and flourished, leading to its establishment as a separate congregation.

Branches and Legacy

In 1630, the congregation formally divided into two branches: the Congregation of Our Lady of the Feuillants in France and the Reformed Bernardines, or Bernardoni, in Italy. The French branch, which had grown to twenty-four abbeys, was suppressed in 1791 during the French Revolution. The Italian branch eventually rejoined the main Cistercian order. The former monastic premises of the Feuillants in Paris gained political notoriety during the Revolution, serving as the meeting place for the conservative Club des Feuillants, which lent its name to the group.

Notable Members and Monasteries

The congregation produced several notable figures, including spiritual directors like Dom Sans de Sainte-Catherine and Dom Eustache de Saint-Paul, as well as theologians and writers such as Cardinal Bona and Eustachius a Sancto Paulo. Its houses included the original Les Feuillants Abbey, the Convent of the Feuillants in Paris, and San Bernardo alle Terme in Rome.