Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Abbey of Saint Anne of Kergonan, located in Plouharnel in Morbihan, is a Benedictine abbey founded in the late 19th century by Dom Paul Delatte, Abbé de Solesmes. It belongs to the congregation of Solesmes and is distinguished by its neo-Roman architecture in grey granite, designed in 1896 by Joseph Caubert de Cléry. The abbey church, built in 1968 by his son Guy Caubert de Cléry, houses non-figurative stained glass windows of Maurice Rocher. The abbey, still active, had 17 monks in 2023.

In 1904 the monks were forced to leave the abbey because of the 1901 law on religious congregations. The castle of Kergonan, the seat of the abbey, was bought in 1910 by lawyer Hyacinthe Glotin to allow the return of Benedictines. The abbey welcomed prominent personalities such as Swami Abhishiktananda (Dom Henri Le Saux), a mystical monk, and Guy Desnoyers, a controversial priest who lived there from 1978 to 2010.

The monastic life in Kergonan follows the rule of St Benedict, rhythmic by prayer, manual work and spiritual reception. The monks produce artisanal objects (ceramics, Gregorian chanting CD) and organize retreats, conferences and concerts. The abbey has had five abbots, including Dom Philippe Piron (2001-2018), and today welcomes visitors for spiritual stays in its renovated hotel.

The abbey church, open to the public, offers services sung in Gregorian according to the tradition of Solesmes. Modern stained glass windows and robust architecture make it a place of prayer and heritage. The Abbey remains a living testimony of Benedictine monasticism in Brittany, combining tradition and openness to the world.

The monks of Kergonan also produced a Gregorian song discography, including albums such as Marian Louanges (2012) and Sainte-Anne, Messe and Office Grégoriens (2003). Their shop offers books, CDs and handicrafts, reflecting their spiritual and cultural commitment.

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