The Abbey of Bellefontaine, in the diocese of Angers, is preparing for a historic handover. Starting from the summer of 2025, twelve Benedictine monks from the Abbey of Sainte-Madeleine du Barroux will take over the monastic life of the monastery, following the withdrawal of the current Cistercian community due to the advanced age of its members.
Dom Louis-Marie, abbot of Barroux, explained this in an interview given to RCF Radio, in which he details the spiritual, historical, and ecclesial reasons for this new foundation.
The continuity of a monastic family
According to the abbot, the decision arises from a process of discernment: the Barroux community currently has more than sixty monks, despite having been designed for about forty. The announced closure of Bellefontaine opened the possibility of ensuring the continuity of monastic life in the place. The proposal was put to a vote and received widely majority support.
Dom Louis-Marie emphasizes that it is not a break, but a transmission in continuity. The Cistercians are also Benedictines, and the founder of Barroux, Father Muard, was trained precisely in Trappist environments. The arrival of the monks is therefore inscribed within the same monastic tradition.
An abbey faithful to the Church and to tradition
The Abbey of Sainte-Madeleine du Barroux was founded in 1970 by Dom Gérard, with the purpose of maintaining the traditional liturgy and a monastic observance faithful to the received heritage, in a context marked by the changes following the Second Vatican Council. After a period of tensions and an initial affiliation with Msgr. Lefebvre for ordinations, the community chose in 1988 to remain in full communion with Rome, a decision that was recognized by the Holy See.
Dom Louis-Marie insists that fidelity to the traditional liturgy was never posed in opposition to the Church, but as a form of spiritual rootedness. In his view, many young people today seek clarity, identity, and beauty, elements that—he affirms—they find in the liturgical and monastic tradition.
Contemplative men, not political actors
In relation to the motu proprio Traditionis Custodes, the abbot recognizes its legitimacy, but qualifies it as an “imprudent” act, considering that it introduced ideological restrictions on a reality whose pastoral balance was positive. With the arrival of Pope Leo XIV, he expresses his hope for a broader and more just application.
In the face of concerns that the installation of the Barroux monks may raise, Dom Louis-Marie reminds that their vocation is essentially contemplative. They do not consider themselves activists or political actors, but men of prayer who live in enclosure and structure their day around the prayer of the Divine Office, from dawn until night.
The Bishop of Angers, Msgr. Delmas, gave his approval after a verification process, being satisfied with the strictly monastic character of the community. The definitive installation in Bellefontaine is scheduled for the summer of 2026.