Dear Friends,
We are both delighted and proud to announce that the Loto du Patrimoine has selected our beautiful restoration project for the 2020 edition;
To be cited as one of France’s emblematic sites to be restored is the magnificent recognition of many years of effort and sacrifice;
We can already measure the impact of this election by the very significant increase in the number of visitors and the enthusiasm with which the population of our region and those close to the abbey have received this news;
Stéphane Bern has warned us that the number of visitors is set to increase in the coming weeks;
Year after year we see the abbey’s influence slowly spreading and taking root. This year’s Estivales are particularly popular. In addition to the tours offered by the brothers, many young people, often students, from July 14 to August 15, welcome visitors at the abbey entrance and along the tour route, helping them to better discover and enjoy the site. The quality of the exchanges quickly proved the great interest of this service;
In the courtyard of honor, the cloister or the church, people sit in silence and take the time to settle down. The abbey becomes for many, in the space of a visit, a place of comfort, peace and hope.
The restoration of our buildings, and in particular the church, is at the service of this radiance; what’s more, it has become a symbol of it. The funds raised through the Loto du Patrimoine will make a significant contribution to the fundraising efforts of our donors, whom we continue to call on to achieve this goal.
In just one visit, Figaro journalist Claire Bommelaer was able to grasp the building and the challenges of its restoration; His article of July 1st summed up beautifully this adventure in which you have joined us;
Through this article, written from the heart, we wanted to share this good news with you, and with it our joy!
Best regards, and I hope to see you soon in Lagrasse;
Father Emmanuel-Marie, Abbot;