Soleilmont Abbey
Trappistine·Belgium·active·11th century
Soleilmont Abbey is a Trappistine monastery located in Fleurus, Belgium, with a history dating back to its traditional founding in the 11th century. It became Cistercian in 1237 and has undergone several transformations, including periods as a Bernardine community before joining the Trappist Order. The abbey has faced significant challenges, including expulsion during the French Revolution and a devastating fire in 1963, but has continued to operate and even established a daughter foundation in India.
Key Facts
- ›Traditionally founded in the 11th century, with the first recorded reference to a religious house in 1185.
- ›Became a Cistercian abbey in 1237, a dependency of Aulne Abbey.
- ›Nuns were expelled during the French Revolution in 1796 but re-established themselves in 1802.
- ›Became a Bernardine community in 1837 and officially joined the Trappist Order in 1919.
- ›The abbey buildings were destroyed by fire on Christmas Eve 1963, with a new modern monastery built on the site.
- ›Currently houses a community of about thirty nuns who manage a farm, bakery, and guesthouse.
Modern
Image of Our Lady of Rome, Guesthouse For Women On Retreat, Farm and Bakery Operated By Nuns
Abbaye Notre-Dame De Soleilmont
Albert Iii, Count of Namur, Godfrey of Bouillon, Baldwin Ii of Courtenay, Count of Namur, Yolande of Hainaut, Marie De Senzeille, Margot of Hainaut, Oda De Virsel, Madeleine Bulteau, Jacqueline Colnet, Albert Vii, Archduke of Austria, Infanta Isabel of Spain, Scholastique Daivier
First Crusade, French Revolution, Battle of Fleurus, Destruction By Fire
About Soleilmont Abbey
Soleilmont Abbey, known in French as Abbaye Notre-Dame de Soleilmont, is a Trappistine monastery located in the commune of Fleurus, Belgium. Tradition holds that the abbey was founded in the 11th century, with historical records first mentioning a religious house there in 1185. It officially became part of the Cistercian Order in 1237, later transitioning through periods as a Bernardine community before its incorporation into the Trappist Order in 1919.
History and Transformations
The abbey's history is marked by resilience through various challenges. During the French Revolution, the nuns were expelled in 1796 but managed to re-establish themselves in 1802. The community faced extreme hardship in the early 19th century due to poverty and a declining number of members. A significant revival occurred in 1837 when they became a Bernardine community, attracting new vocations and initiating reconstruction of the abbey buildings.
Modern Era and Continuity
In 1919, the community returned to the mainstream Cistercian practice and became Trappistines. A devastating fire on Christmas Eve 1963 destroyed the abbey, but a new, modern monastery was constructed on the site, completed in 1973. Today, the active community of approximately thirty nuns sustains the abbey through farming, baking, and operating a guesthouse for women seeking retreats. Soleilmont Abbey also supports a daughter foundation in Kerala, India, continuing its monastic legacy.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Soleilmont Abbey founded?
According to tradition, Soleilmont Abbey was founded in the 11th century, specifically in 1088. However, the first confirmed historical reference to a religious house at this location dates to 1185.
What religious order does Soleilmont Abbey belong to?
Soleilmont Abbey is currently an abbey of Trappistine nuns, belonging to the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (O.C.S.O.). It has a history of being Benedictine, Cistercian, and Bernardine before adopting the Trappist rule.
What significant historical events have affected Soleilmont Abbey?
The abbey was expelled by revolutionary armies in 1796 and its buildings were looted and burnt. More recently, the monastery was completely destroyed by fire on Christmas Eve 1963.
What is the current status of Soleilmont Abbey?
Soleilmont Abbey is an active monastery with a community of approximately thirty nuns. They operate a farm, bakery, and a guesthouse for women on retreat. The abbey also has a daughter foundation in Kerala, India.
Are there any notable features or traditions at Soleilmont Abbey?
The abbey is known for its famous image of Our Lady of Rome, which was carried through the streets to end outbreaks of the Black Death in the 17th century. Annually, on the last Sunday of August, this image is carried in procession in memory of that protection.
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