The abbey

Just 30 minutes from the medieval city of Carcassonne, the Abbaye Sainte-Marie de Lagrasse is one of the most symbolic religious monuments in the South of France. Founded in the 8th century, it benefited from the protection of the Emperor Charlemagne. It offers a veritable catalog of architecture, from the 10th to the 18th century, and shows the traces of important political and spiritual influence.

Abandoned to the ravages of time since the French Revolution, empty of any religious presence for many years, was this jewel in danger of losing its value as a touchstone in this 21st century, so much in need of the roots of the past and the wings of hope?

St. Augustine’s thinking has always nourished the canonical vision of the church as a house, a temple, a community, a family. In the place where it shines, the community forms a “canonical church”. It is made up of brothers, living stones in a stone building.

This “house”, this temple, must reflect God as well as the Christ, who was a “temple” and “the most beautiful of the sons of men”. The abbey receives visitors every day. Some come to talk, others to pray and meditate. Couples – married or engaged – also come to discover and deepen their marital spirituality. Every summer family retreats provide families with opportunities to rest, pray, and receive teaching that is appropriate for each age group.

At a time when Christians need to see and touch their Church, when it often tends to fade away, the task of our canonical communities is to make the ecclesial body visible, to show what the Church looks like, to reflect the Gospel.

In the diocese of Carcassonne, canons work with parish priests and parish teams in a variety of ministries: celebration of Mass, conferences and confessions, visits to hospitals (palliative care and EHPAD) and retirement homes, pastoral care and catechesis, funerals, distribution of the sacraments in nearby villages.

Throughout the year, canons are sent throughout France to preach at retreats, pilgrimages and youth camps.