Bricquebec Abbey

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The Bricquebec community

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Founded in 1824 by Abbot Onfroy, Notre Dame de Grâce Abbey in Bricquebec is located in the heart of the verdant bocage countryside of Cotentin. It is one of the rare Trappist abbeys dating from the 19^th century, distinguished by its refined and elegant neoclassical architecture. The abbey church is a true architectural jewel whose imposing facade gives way to a light-filled interior where a magnificent organ built by Cavaillé-Coll, one of the greatest organ builders, takes pride of place.

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The monks of Bricquebec are also responsible for draining the marshlands and developing significant livestock farming, particularly dairy cows, which led to the creation of Trappe de Bricquebec, a cheese shaped like a small wheel. The monks sold the brand in 1961 and then focused on pig farming under the leadership of Father Marc. The herd multiplied rapidly from 50 to 200, then to 2,000 pigs by the late 1960s. However, the goal remained the same: to produce quality artisanal meat. From the early 1990s, the monks decided to process the meat themselves. Today, about fifteen employees work to produce various derivative products, all branded "Le Cochon du Père Marc" (Father Marc's Pig).

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Bricquebec Abbey has a special connection with Japan, where several monks have served as missionaries since that country opened up at the end of the 19th century. Two initial priories were founded in 1896 and 1898 on Hokkaido, the northernmost main island of the archipelago. Five other communities were established on Japanese soil between 1935 and 1981. Each year, the prior of Bricquebec travels to Japan to visit the Japanese Cistercian foundations and maintain this bond.

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The Cistercian Order, an order that's been around for ages!

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The Cistercian Order, a reformed branch of the Benedictines, traces its origins to the founding of Cîteaux Abbey by Robert of Molesme in 1098. It occupies a prominent place in the religious history of the 12^th century and remains among the oldest monastic orders, enjoying widespread spiritual recognition, as evidenced by its presence in many Western countries.

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The significant growth of the order is attributable to Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153), an exceptional figure with remarkable charisma. Although he was not the founder, he remains the preeminent spiritual master of the order in the 12^th century, contributing to its renown and prestige.

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The Cistercian Order, by restoring the Benedictine rule under the influence of the Gregorian reform, places special emphasis on liturgy and makes work a fundamental value, as attested by its rich technical, artistic, and architectural heritage.

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Beyond its preeminent social role until the French Revolution, the order exercised significant influence in the intellectual and economic spheres, as well as in the realms of art and spirituality.

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