Flône Abbey

Flône Abbey (French: Abbaye de Flône) is a historical monastic site situated on the left bank of the river Meuse in Flône, within the municipality of Amay in the province of Liège, Wallonia, Belgium. Its origins trace back to 1075 when three lay brothers established themselves on land donated by Henry I of Verdun, the Bishop of Liège, with the intention of devoting themselves to religious life. The site was strategically chosen for its convenience as a resting point along the Tongres-Amay-Arlon road, and the founders erected a water mill and an oratory dedicated to Saint Matthew.

History and Development

The community at Flône evolved significantly over the centuries. In 1189, it officially became an abbey and became associated with the order of the Augustinian regular canons. A notable development in its material history occurred in 1550 with the establishment of a brewery during the tenure of Abbot Philippe d'Orjo. However, the abbey faced severe disruption in 1568 when it was plundered and destroyed by the Calvinist troops of William the Silent.

The 17th century marked a period of substantial reconstruction and enhancement. Under the abbacy of Thomas de Vinalmont, key structures like the dovecote, porch, and mill were built. Later, Abbots Guillaume de Hemricourt and his nephew Dieudonné de Hemricourt oversaw the construction of the church, convent, and the distinctive tour d'angle (junction tower), which has become an emblematic image of the old abbey. These buildings were organized around a double court, with the Church of Saint-Matthieu at its center. This church, now serving as the parish church of Flône, preserves numerous historical elements including five black marble tombstones of Flône prelates, 17th-century baptismal fonts and choral stalls, and two significant tableaux by Jean Del Cour depicting Saint Matthew and Saint Augustine of Hippo. A pipe organ crafted by Karel Dillens in 1710 also graces the church.

Further additions in the 18th century included a tithe house (maison de la dîme) under Abbot Jean-Jerome de Schroots and the rebuilding of the abbatial palace by his successor, Charles Delvaux de Fenffe. Flône Abbey accumulated a considerable domain, including various farms and rights over forests and fisheries.

Later History and Modern Use

The abbey's history took a turn in 1796 when French revolutionary authorities seized control, confiscating its lands and goods, which were subsequently sold to private individuals. A significant shift in its purpose occurred in 1921 when the order known as the Ladies of Christian Education (Dames de l'instruction chrétienne) acquired Flône Abbey, making it their principal house. They established a boarding school for young girls, which later introduced co-education. The site has continued to function as an educational institution, with the elementary school alone having over 500 pupils in 2019, and the secondary level exceeding 1000 pupils.

Despite a fire in December 2007 that damaged some of its old woodwork, Flône Abbey remains an active center, primarily serving as a school and the mother house for the Ladies of Christian Education. The Church of Saint-Matthieu also houses a reliquary associated with the remains of St. Denise, an early Christian martyr, whose relics were brought to the abbey in 1922. According to modern tradition, St. Denise is invoked for protection against bicycle and motorcycle accidents and headaches.