Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I am a priest of the religious community of the Canons Regular of the Mother of God; I joined the company 25 years ago and have held various positions; Today, I’m in charge of philanthropy and large donations (via foundations, associations, companies and individuals);
What is your role in Le Grand Relèvement?
The Grand Relèvement is the most daring adventure in our Abbey restoration project, both in terms of its scale and the symbolism it represents; Just imagine… Some 4.5 million to be raised over 5 years, to rebuild, protect and restore the heart of the Abbey: its mutilated, amputated, exhausted church; It’s a strong sign of hope; My role, of course, is to find the funds to make this vast project possible; However, we must emphasize its value as a sign of enthusiasm among patrons, and to reinforce the confidence of all those who have witnessed this adventure in these strong commitments that light up the future;
How long have you been preparing this project?
We’ve been working on this project for over a year now, as a community and with close friends like the Chairman of the Support Committee, in collaboration with a communications and sponsorship agency that brings us the added value of its experience and professionalism; We had to build all the communication tools and draw up a realistic campaign strategy, with all the contacts and support acquired since 2004;
Why is this exceptionally large-scale project so important for the Abbey and the life of the canons?
This place is a witness to our history and culture; Think about it, it goes all the way back to Charlemagne! We believe that the future can only be built on deep roots; With this project, we want to show that a smiling future is promised only to those whose memory is grateful for the past;
Canons, and therefore disciples of Saint Augustine († 430), we are also, like him, lovers of beauty; This place is a jewel; It is our vocation to restore this Abbey, to give it back its beauty, and to allow our visitors and retreatants to enjoy it;
This project is also a means of restoring the church to its full size and opening up a larger capacity; Our vocation as canons opens us up to our contemporaries; It’s important for us to be able to welcome everyone who comes along; And there are more and more of them!
The aim of the work is to triple your capacity; Why do these people turn to Sainte-Marie de Lagrasse Abbey? What are they looking for?
I believe that our contemporaries are looking for places of silence, peace and harmony; Lighthouses and oases in an unstable, restless, hurried world; Many men and women, both believers and non-believers, also need a place where they can listen to others for free, and where they can show their unselfish kindness; Some need help; In our own way, according to our strengths, but in keeping with our vocation, we strive to bring to everyone a face of Christ who welcomes, encourages and supports, without excluding anyone or judging anyone.
Do you have any plans once the work is finished to make your abbey better known to as many people as possible?
An Abbey is normally like fertile soil; Church history shows that religious communities faithful to their vocation are fruitful; They attract new vocations and, inevitably, lead to the founding of new communities and abbeys; It’s a wonderful project, because man is at its heart;
Summarize Le Grand Relèvement in one word;
Difficult; I do have a picture; For some, it will speak volumes, for others it will amaze: A new springtime for the Abbey of Lagrasse, with, behind the image, the ideas of beauty, life and fertility.