Melleray Abbey
Christian·France·Active (used by Chemin Neuf Community)·12th century
Melleray Abbey was a Cistercian monastery founded around 1134 in Brittany, France. It later became a Trappist house from 1817 until 2016, when it was transferred to the Chemin Neuf Community. Historically, the abbey experienced periods of both strict observance and relaxation, undergoing suppression during the French Revolution before its re-establishment by Trappist monks.
Key Facts
- ›Founded as a Cistercian monastery around 1134.
- ›Located in La Meilleraye-de-Bretagne, in the present Loire-Atlantique, France.
- ›Served as a Trappist monastery for monks between 1817 and 2016.
- ›Suppressed in 1791 during the French Revolution.
- ›Re-established by Trappist monks returning from England in 1817.
- ›Currently used by the Chemin Neuf Community since 2016.
- Legend of the Honeycomb Found In A Hollow Tree Marking the Founding Site
- Introduction of English Farming Methods, Including New Plows and the First Threshing Machine In Brittany
Abbaye De Notre-Dame-De-Melleray
Foulques, Rivallon, Alain De Moisdon, Guitern, Geffroy, Etienne De Brezé, Jouard, Augustine De Lestrange, Thomas Weld, Antoine De Beauregard, Maxime, Antoine Ii, Eugene Vachette
- Foundation of the Monastery Around 1134.
- Erection of the Original Monastery In 1145.
- Completion of the Church In 1183.
- Introduction of Commendatory Abbots From 1544.
- Suppression In 1791.
- Refuge of Trappists In Lulworth, England, From 1795.
- Return of Monks To Melleray In 1817.
- Persecution During the Revolution of 1830.
- Foundation of Mount Melleray Abbey In 1833.
- Founding of Mount Saint Bernard Abbey In 1835.
- Establishment of Gethsemani Abbey In 1848.
- Reunion of Trappist Congregations In 1892.
- Announcement of Departure of Trappist Monks In 2015.
- Transfer of Charge To the Chemin Neuf Community In 2016.
About Melleray Abbey
Melleray Abbey, known in French as Abbaye de Notre-Dame-de-Melleray, is a historic monastic site located in La Meilleraye-de-Bretagne, within the present-day Loire-Atlantique department of France. Originally founded as a Cistercian monastery around 1134, its history is marked by periods of strict observance and subsequent relaxation, leading to its suppression during the French Revolution in 1791.
History and Reconstruction
The foundation of Melleray is attributed to monks sent from Pontrond Abbey, a daughter house of Louroux Abbey, which itself was a foundation of Cîteaux. The chosen site was reportedly indicated by a legend involving a honeycomb found in a hollow tree, giving the place its name, meaning 'honeycomb'. The initial monastery was erected in 1145, with the church finished in 1183. The abbey maintained regular observance until the 16th and 17th centuries, when relaxation prevailed, exacerbated by the introduction of commendatory abbots from 1544. Efforts in the late 17th century led to the re-introduction of the Rule of St. Benedict and the restoration of monastic buildings.
After its suppression in 1791, Melleray Abbey's story continued through the Trappist order. Expelled from France, Trappist monks took refuge in Switzerland and later established a priory, St. Susan's, at Lulworth in Dorset, England. In 1817, with the restoration of the Bourbons in France, these monks returned to Melleray. The restored abbey flourished, becoming known for its adoption of advanced English farming techniques. During the Revolution of 1830, the monks, many of whom were foreign-born, faced persecution, which prompted the founding of daughter houses like Mount Melleray Abbey in Ireland (1833) and Mount Saint Bernard Abbey in England (1835).
Transition to Chemin Neuf Community
Melleray Abbey continued as a Trappist house for nearly two centuries. Under various abbots, it played a role in the wider Trappist congregation, including the establishment of Gethsemani Abbey in the United States in 1848. In a significant transition, the Trappist monks announced their departure from Melleray in 2015, with the abbey being handed over to the Chemin Neuf Community in 2016. This marked a new chapter for the historic monastic site.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Melleray Abbey founded?
Melleray Abbey was founded as a Cistercian monastery around the year 1134. The original monastery was erected in 1145, with the church completed in 1183.
What is the historical significance of Melleray Abbey?
Historically, Melleray Abbey was a significant Cistercian foundation that experienced periods of decline and restoration. It became particularly notable as a Trappist house, contributing to the establishment of other Trappist monasteries in Ireland and the United States.
What is the current status of Melleray Abbey?
Since 2016, Melleray Abbey is no longer a Trappist monastery. It is now used by the Chemin Neuf Community.
What religious order was Melleray Abbey originally part of?
Melleray Abbey was originally founded as a Cistercian monastery. Later, it became a house of Trappist monks, a reform branch of the Cistercians.
Did Melleray Abbey face any historical challenges?
Yes, Melleray Abbey faced significant challenges. It experienced relaxation of observance in the 16th and 17th centuries, was suppressed in 1791 during the French Revolution, and its Trappist inhabitants faced persecution during the Revolution of 1830.
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