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Origin and history

The Sainte-Marie Abbey of Mont-des-Cats is a Trappist monastery founded in 1826 on the Mount of Cats in Godewaersvelde (North), by monks from the Abbey of Gard. Its origin dates back to a centuries-old religious tradition: from 1650, antonins settled there, attached in 1689 to the community of Saint-Antoine du Mont Kemmel. Hermitage was abolished in 1792 and purchased in 1819 by Nicolas Ruyssen, painter of Hazebrouck, who founded a school there before welcoming the Trappists in 1826.

The abbey was officially erected in 1847 by the archbishop of Cambrai, Pierre Giraud, and then had 47 monks. In the 19th century, it developed with a forge, a brewery (destroyed in 1918) and a cheese factory, a major source of income. During the First World War, it served as a hospital and garrison, forcing the monks to evacuate. After 1918, the reconstruction allowed the consecration of a new church in 1950 by Angelo Roncalli, future Pope John XXIII.

In the 20th century, the abbey radiates under the influence of Abbé André Louf, while diversifying its cheese productions (Mont des Cats, Flamay, Bourle). Although her brewery ceased in 1905 after anticlerical laws, in 2011 she revived a Trappist beer brewed in Belgium. Since 2008, it has also housed a monastic publishing house, reproducing collections such as the writings of the monks of Tibhirine.

Today, there are about 30 monks in the community. The site perpetuates an intense spiritual life, while maintaining artisanal and editorial activities. Its history reflects the political and religious upheavals of France, from the Revolution to post-war reconstruction.

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