Frigolet Abbey

Frigolet Abbey is a grand Premonstratensian monastery complex in southern France. It was founded about 960 at Frigolet by Conrad I of Burgundy on one of the numerous hills which lie between Tarascon and Avignon. It was initially occupied by Benedictine monks from Montmajour Abbey.

By the 12th century, the abbey was home to a community of Canons regular. The chapel of Our Lady of Good Remedy dates from this period. The canonical Augustinian community lasted until 1480, when the canons petitioned the Holy See to suppress the monastery. This request was granted by Pope Sixtus IV, at which time the monastery was abandoned. The chapel, however, remained a popular pilgrimage site.

In 1647, the Order of Saint Jerome were given possession of the derelict monastery. They worked to restore it, at the same time expanding the complex, enlarging the choir and sacristy, and erecting a chapter house. The community did not stay long, however, and were replaced in 1661 by the Discalced Augustinians. The friars of this order continued the work of the Hieronymites, but also did pastoral care in the surrounding region, providing support to the local clergy.

At the time of the French Revolution, it was suppressed and sold by the French First Republic. From that time it changed hands frequently. Frigolet was reoccupied by the Premonstratensians in 1923 and remains in operation.

Pope John Paul II issued a pontifical decree titled Sacra illa ædes that raised one of its structures to the status of a minor basilica on 12 June 1984.

References:

• Wikipedia

Address

Tarascon, France

Details

Founded: c. 960 AD
Category: Religious sites in France
Historical period: Frankish kingdoms (France)