Obazine Abbey

Obazine Abbey, also known by the Latinized name Aubazine Abbey, was a prominent Cistercian monastery located in the present-day town of Aubazines, within the département of Corrèze in the Limousin region of France. Its establishment marked a significant point in the monastic history of the area.

History and Foundations

The monastery's origins trace back to approximately 1134, when Saint Stephen of Obazine, alongside another priest named Pierre, embarked on an eremitical life. Their spiritual endeavors attracted a number of followers, and with the endorsement of Eustorge, the Bishop of Tulle, they were granted land by Viscount Archambault to build a monastery. Initially, before 1142, the community did not adhere to a strict rule, but in that year, Saint Stephen was formally invested with the regular habit. He sought guidance from Cistercian monks to train his followers, and by 1147, Obazine Abbey was officially affiliated with the powerful Abbey of Cîteaux.

As the community grew, Obazine Abbey became a mother house for several new foundations. Notably, before its Cistercian affiliation, it housed a feminine monastery at Coyroux, characterized by a high degree of enclosure. This arrangement, while not common within Cîteaux, contributed to Obazine's reputation. The abbey's influence extended to the Quercy region through various farm establishments, including those near the renowned pilgrimage site of Rocamadour. These Cistercian farms were vital in supplying wood and food to pilgrims and monks in the area. However, many of these establishments struggled to survive beyond the Hundred Years' War, with some transforming into small fortified structures, while others vanished entirely.

Notable Figures and Dissolution

Throughout its history, Obazine Abbey was led by several distinguished abbots. Among them were François d'Escobleau, who later became Archbishop of Bordeaux and died in 1628, and Charles de la Roche-Aymon, who served as Cardinal Archbishop of Reims and passed away in 1777. The abbey's existence as a monastic institution came to an abrupt end during the French Revolution. In 1791, the government suppressed the abbey, confiscating its properties. In a striking turn of events, the confiscated abbey buildings were subsequently repurposed as a bordello for the remainder of the decade.

Legacy

Despite the dissolution and subsequent repurposing, the abbey church itself endured the revolutionary period. Following necessary restoration efforts, it continues to serve the local community as the parish church of Aubazines, standing as a tangible remnant of the abbey's historical presence.