Notre-Dame des Neiges Abbey
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Notre-Dame des Neiges Abbey |
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Founded in 1850 by Trappist monks from the Aiguebelle Abbey at an altitude of 1,100 meters in the Ardeche mountains. It was there that they established the Notre-Dame des Neiges Abbey, a monastery dedicated to prayer, work, and silence. Life at the abbey was harsh. The monks lived in Spartan conditions, working the land to sustain themselves and building their monastery stone by stone. But their faith and perseverance were unwavering. The abbey quickly became a place of pilgrimage and rejuvenation for Catholics in the region. The beauty of the site, the rigor of monastic life, and the reputation for holiness of the monks attracted many visitors.
The Life of the Monks at Notre-Dame des Neiges was anchored in prayer, beginning at dawn with the lauds, the first of the many prayers that punctuated their daily lives. From the morning mass to the evening vespers, each religious office was an opportunity to gather in communion with God and the community. Far from the idea of passive contemplation, the Cistercian monks were tireless workers. Their day was paced by a multitude of tasks, from cooking to maintaining the land and buildings, including animal husbandry. Their labor was both an act of dedication to the community and a concrete expression of their spirituality. At the heart of monastic life was silence, a sacred silence that fostered contemplation and communion with God. The monks endeavored to maintain this silence, speaking only when necessary and reserving verbal exchanges for meal times and communal work.
Regular schedules structured the monks' day, symbolizing their commitment to a life of discipline and devotion. Rising at 4:30 AM and retiring at 9:00 PM demonstrated their willingness to dedicate long hours to prayer, meditation, and work, following the natural rhythm of day and night. The monks' simple and moderate diet, based on two meals a day at noon and 7:00 PM, reflected their commitment to simplicity and moderation. This practice of partial fasting was also a spiritual discipline, helping them exercise self-control and cultivate gratitude to God for the blessings of food.
Silence, observed outside of meal times and communal activities, was a distinctive feature of monastic life. This rule of silence promoted concentration, reflection, and personal prayer, creating a space conducive to communion with God and inner listening. The simple and functional habit worn by the monks, consisting of a tunic, scapular, and cincture, testified to their renunciation of worldly vanities and their commitment to modesty and humility. It was also a symbol of their belonging to the monastic community and the Cistercian order.
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The Cistercian Order, a Millennia-Old Monastic Tradition
The Cistercian order, founded in 1098 at the Abbey of Cîteaux in Burgundy, emerged from a reform of the Benedictine order, advocating a stricter observance of the Rule of Saint Benedict. Since its inception, this Catholic monastic order has distinguished itself by its values and characteristic practices, which continue to shape its communal and spiritual life. Cistercian monks live in isolated monasteries, in communion with nature, adopting a stripped-down lifestyle in harmony with the teachings of the Gospel. They renounce unnecessary material possessions and content themselves with the bare essentials, wearing simple clothing and maintaining a modest diet without meat. Prayer is at the heart of Cistercian monastic life. They observe a rigorous liturgical schedule punctuated by religious offices, including lauds, vespers, and compline. In addition to communal prayer, the monks dedicate time to personal prayer and meditation, fostering their spiritual growth and communion with God.
Cistercian monks practice evangelical poverty by renouncing individual ownership of goods. Everything is held in common, and each member of the order contributes according to their means and abilities to the well-being of all. This practice fosters humility, solidarity, and sharing within the monastic community. Cistercian monks consider work as a sacred act and a means to glorify God. They actively participate in the daily tasks of the monastery, including cooking, cleaning, gardening, and maintaining the buildings. They also engage in agricultural activities, such as animal husbandry and cultivation, thereby contributing to the community's self-sufficiency and sustenance.
Over the centuries, the Cistercian order has experienced periods of prosperity and decline but has managed to preserve its spiritual heritage and monastic tradition. During the Middle Ages, the order founded numerous abbeys across Europe, becoming a pillar of religious and social life of the time. In the 16th century, the Cistercian order was affected by the Protestant Reformation, leading to the closure or destruction of many Cistercian abbeys. However, the order experienced a revival in the 19th century, with the foundation of new abbeys and a renewed interest in monastic life.
Today, the Cistercian order continues to embody the values of simplicity, prayer, poverty, and work, with approximately 2,500 monks and nuns spread across more than 100 monasteries worldwide. These Cistercian communities perpetuate the order's millennia-old tradition, offering places of contemplation and spirituality for the faithful seeking inner peace and communion with God.
The Notre-Dame des Neiges Abbey was part of the Cistercian order, founded in the 12th century on the principles of simplicity, prayer, and poverty. The Cistercian monks were recognizable by their simple habit and ascetic lifestyle, demonstrating their commitment to deep and authentic spirituality.
Here are some important figures of the Cistercian order
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153): A Cistercian monk and mystic, Bernard of Clairvaux is one of the most prominent figures of the 12th century. As the abbot of Clairvaux Abbey, he played a central role in the reform of the Cistercian order and contributed to its expansion across Europe. His theological and mystical writings, as well as his engagement in the theological debates of his time, have left a lasting legacy in Christian spirituality.
Aelred of Rievaulx (1109-1167): A Cistercian monk and abbot of Rievaulx Abbey, Aelred is best known for his spiritual and theological writings, which address topics such as spiritual friendship, charity, and the contemplative life. His works, including "On Spiritual Friendship" and "The Contemplative Life," are still studied and appreciated for their spiritual depth and practical wisdom.
Thomas Merton (1915-1968): A 20th-century Trappist Cistercian monk, Thomas Merton is renowned for his writings on monastic life, spirituality, and interreligious dialogue. His works, such as "The Seven Storey Mountain" and "No Man Is an Island," have inspired generations of readers seeking meaning and spiritual truth. Merton was also a passionate advocate for peace and social justice, and his commitment to non-violence and solidarity with the oppressed continues to resonate in today's world.
These three figures illustrate the diversity and richness of the Cistercian order through the centuries, as well as its profound impact on Christian spirituality and society in general. As Cistercian monks, they embodied the values of simplicity, prayer, and work, providing inspiring examples of lives dedicated to the service of God and humanity.
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Robert Louis Stevenson at the Notre-Dame des Neiges Abbey: An Unforgettable Encounter
In September 1878, while traveling through the Cevennes accompanied by his faithful donkey Modestine, the Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson was captivated by the majestic silhouette of the Notre-Dame des Neiges Abbey. Intrigued, he decided to enter the gates of this isolated monastery, far from any hustle and bustle, for a meeting that would forever mark his journey. To his great surprise, Stevenson was welcomed with warmth and simplicity that contrasted with the austerity of the place. The Trappist monks, accustomed to solitude, offered him hospitality with sincere kindness. Stevenson was offered lodging and board, and he was quickly integrated into the peaceful life of the monastic community.
Immersed in monastic life, Stevenson was fascinated by the rigor and discipline that prevailed within the abbey. He observed with awe the regular prayers, the monks' manual labor, and the soothing silence that enveloped the premises. At the same time, he discovered the splendor of the surrounding landscapes, wild and grandiose, which stimulated his imagination and nourished his inspiration as a writer.
From his stay at the Notre-Dame des Neiges Abbey, Stevenson drew a poignant account titled "Journey with a Donkey in the Cevennes." Through his sensitive words, he paid tribute to the warm welcome of the monks, the striking beauty of the landscapes, and his profound reflections on life, faith, and nature. Stevenson's passage through the abbey left an indelible mark on the monastery's history. His account helped to promote the abbey beyond the borders of Ardeche and attracted many visitors seeking serenity and spirituality. Thus, the unlikely meeting between the Scottish writer and the monastic community of Notre-Dame des Neiges remains memorable, demonstrating the richness of human exchanges and the profound impact they can have on our lives.
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Charles de Foucauld at the Notre-Dame des Neiges Abbey: A Decisive Spiritual Stage
In 1889, Charles de Foucauld, a young French aristocrat seeking meaning and spirituality, entered the gates of the Notre-Dame des Neiges Abbey to embrace monastic life under the name Brother Marie-Alberic. This moment marked the beginning of a deeply spiritual journey that would significantly influence his life and work.
Charles de Foucauld, coming from a wealthy family and having led a worldly existence, felt an urgent need to find deeper meaning in his life. His encounter with spirituality drew him towards a life of simplicity and contemplation. The Notre-Dame des Neiges Abbey became a refuge where he hoped to find answers to his most intimate questions. Immersing himself in the Trappist community of Notre-Dame des Neiges meant embracing an austere and disciplined lifestyle for Charles de Foucauld.
Days were structured by liturgical prayers, manual labor, and silence, providing a conducive environment for meditation and contemplation for a soul seeking peace. During his one-year stay at the abbey, Charles de Foucauld fully immersed himself in a life of prayer, spiritual reading, and meditation. He delved into the writings of mystics and explored sacred texts with growing fervor. The simplicity and frugality of monastic life impressed him and strengthened his determination to follow his spiritual path.
The time spent at the Notre-Dame des Neiges Abbey marked a major turning point in Charles de Foucauld's life. It was there that he refined his vocation and strengthened his faith in God. His attachment to silence and solitude, as well as his ardent desire to serve the most needy, took root in this foundational monastic experience. After seven months at the abbey, Charles de Foucauld left this spiritually rich place to continue his quest in other horizons. His later commitment as a hermit, priest, and missionary in the Sahara made him an emblematic figure of Christian spirituality. Beatified in 2005, his spiritual influence endures, and the cell he occupied at the Notre-Dame des Neiges Abbey remains a place of pilgrimage and reflection for the faithful seeking his holy presence.
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The first half of the 20th century was a period of prosperity for the abbey. The community of monks grew, and the abbey became an important center of religious and spiritual life in Ardeche. However, starting in the 1970s, the number of monks began to decline, as in many other abbeys in Europe. Traditional monastic life, with its demands for prayer and work, attracted fewer and fewer young people.
In 2022, faced with the decreasing number of monks and the aging of the community, it was decided to close the Notre-Dame des Neiges Abbey. This was a difficult and painful decision, but it had become necessary to ensure the site's sustainability. The abbey was entrusted to a community of Cistercian nuns from the Boulaur Abbey in Ariege. These nuns, who share the same spirituality as the Trappist monks, continue monastic life at Notre-Dame des Neiges. They also welcome visitors and pilgrims, thereby helping to keep the legacy of this unique place alive.
The Notre-Dame des Neiges Abbey is a place of peace and reflection. The monastery is open to visitors who can discover the abbey church, the cloister, the gardens, and the artisanal products shop. The abbey is also an important pilgrimage site, particularly for Catholics who come to venerate the relics of the Blessed Charles de Foucauld.
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The Alesiens and the Nîmois searching for mushrooms in the woods of the Notre-Dame des Neiges Abbey.
The woods surrounding the Notre-Dame des Neiges Abbey in Ardeche are teeming with edible mushrooms. Porcini, chanterelles, foot mushrooms, and other delights attract Alesiens and Nîmois mushroom-picking enthusiasts and gourmets each year. The tradition of mushroom picking in the abbey's woods is ancient. As early as the 19th century, residents of the surrounding villages came here to gather mushrooms to enhance their tables.
The Notre-Dame des Neiges Abbey is located about 1.5 hours from Ales and 2 hours from Nîmes, making it easily accessible for a gourmet getaway in the heart of nature. The abbey's woods are situated in a preserved and wild environment. Mushroom picking is done respectfully, adhering to nature and current regulations. It is also possible to reach the abbey by train to La Bastide Saint Laurent les Bains (La Bastide-Puylaurent) and then walk 3 km via the GR7 & GR72 trails.
Former resort hotel with a garden on the banks of the Allier, L'Étoile Guesthouse is located in La Bastide-Puylaurent, nestled between Lozère, Ardèche, and the Cevennes in the mountains of Southern France. Positioned at the crossroads of GR®7, GR®70 Chemin Stevenson, GR®72, GR®700 Voie Regordane (Saint Gilles), GR®470 Sources and Gorges of the Allier, GRP® Cevenol, Montagne Ardechoise, and Margeride. It offers numerous loop routes for hiking and day-long cycling excursions. Ideal for a relaxing stay.
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