Lucelle Abbey
Lucelle Abbey, known in Latin as "Lucis cella" or "cell of light," was a prominent Cistercian monastery founded in 1124. As a daughter house of Bellevaux Abbey, it played a role in establishing other monastic communities. The abbey was dissolved in 1792 during the French Revolution.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1124 as a daughter house of Bellevaux Abbey.
- ›Originated from Morimond Abbey.
- ›Dissolved in 1792 during the French Revolution.
- ›Located in the present-day village of Lucelle, Alsace, France, near the Swiss border.
- ›Established several daughter houses, including Neubourg Abbey and Salem Abbey.
LüTzel Abbey, Abbaye De Lucelle, Kloster LüTzel, Lucis Cella
- Dissolution During the French Revolution In 1792.
About Lucelle Abbey
Lucelle Abbey, also known by its German name Lützel Abbey or French Abbaye de Lucelle, was a significant Cistercian monastery situated in the present-day village of Lucelle, within the Haut-Rhin department of Alsace, France. Its original Latin name, Lucis cella, translates to "cell of light," hinting at its spiritual purpose.
Historical Context and Foundation
The abbey was founded in 1124, marking its establishment within the 12th century. Lucelle Abbey was not an independent foundation but rather a daughter house, originating from Bellevaux Abbey. In turn, Bellevaux Abbey itself was a daughter house of the more established Morimond Abbey, illustrating the hierarchical structure of Cistercian monasticism.
Expansion and Dissolution
Lucelle Abbey played a role in the expansion of the Cistercian order by establishing several daughter houses. These included Neubourg Abbey (founded 1130/1131), Kaisheim Abbey (1133), Lieu-Croissant Abbey (1134), Salem Abbey (founded 1134/1137 or 1138), Frienisberg Abbey (1131/1138), Pairis Abbey (1139), and St. Urban's Abbey (1194). There is also a suggestion that Lützel Abbey may have founded a small Cistercian nunnery, Kleinlützel Priory in Switzerland, around 1136–1138, although direct evidence is scarce and the community later transitioned to Augustinian Canons before the abbey regained possession in the early 16th century. The abbey's existence concluded in 1792 when it was dissolved during the tumultuous period of the French Revolution.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Lucelle Abbey founded?
Lucelle Abbey was founded in the year 1124. It was established as a daughter house of Bellevaux Abbey.
What religious order was Lucelle Abbey a part of?
Lucelle Abbey was a Cistercian monastery. The Cistercian order is a branch of the Benedictine tradition.
What is the meaning of the name Lucelle?
The original foundation's name was Lucis cella, which translates to "cell of light." This name reflects the spiritual aspirations associated with monastic life.
What happened to Lucelle Abbey?
Lucelle Abbey was dissolved in 1792 during the period of the French Revolution. Many religious institutions were suppressed during this time.
Did Lucelle Abbey establish other monasteries?
Yes, Lucelle Abbey was instrumental in founding several daughter houses. Notable among these are Neubourg Abbey, Kaisheim Abbey, and Salem Abbey.
Related Monasteries
La Ferté Abbey
La Ferté Abbey was a significant Cistercian monastery founded in 1113, serving as the first of Cîteaux Abbey's four great daughter-houses. Despite facing numerous challenges, including conflicts, looting, and fires, the abbey underwent several reconstructions and refurbishments. It was dissolved in 1791 during the French Revolution, with most of its structures, including the church, being destroyed, leaving primarily the 18th-century abbot's house as a substantial survival.
Neubourg Abbey
Neubourg Abbey was a Cistercian monastery founded in Alsace, France, between 1130 and 1133. It served as a daughter house of Lützel Abbey and later became the mother house for Maulbronn and Herrenalb Abbeys. Despite periods of destruction and rebuilding, it was suppressed during the French Revolution and largely demolished, with only a few remnants surviving.
Abbey of Sénanque
Sénanque Abbey is a Cistercian monastery founded in 1148 in Provence, France, renowned for its remarkably preserved Romanesque architecture. Initially thriving, it experienced decline and was suppressed during the French Revolution, only to be re-established in 1854 and later reactivated in 1988. Today, it houses an active monastic community and is known for its lavender fields and spiritual retreats.