A Beautiful Monastic Experience in Brittany, France

Founded in 1145, the Abbey of Melleraye is one of the treasures near my Mamie's village. Until last year, Trappist monks lived and ran the abbey. It's sad that 871 years of tradition are now over.

I was fortunate enough to attend one of their last services last year. Seeing these elderly monks with their white and brown robes continuing their rituals like latin chanting and pulling the bell rope hanging in the middle of the church, was quite special. The monks are gone, but the abbey still serves as a refuge to a new Catholic group. While I am not Catholic, I quite enjoy the spiritual experience of being in such an old and sacred place.

I hope you enjoy these photographs as much as I do!