Gregorian Chant Mass At St Benedict Abbey (Saint-Benoît-du-Lac) In The Eastern Townships Of Quebec, Canada

I have by no means heard of Saint Benedict Abbey (Abbaye Saint-Benoît-du-Lac) till I met the man fishing on the pier in North Hatley.

He informed me approximately the abbey, that it's miles the most effective monastery left in Canada with priests dwelling in it from the Benectine order in France. The seminary is about on a dramatic hilly panorama with lush environment overlooking Lake Memphremagog. He brought that the priests offer a Gregorian chant public mass service on Sundays. When I heard Gregorian chant, my ears became as large as Bugs Bunny.

‘What do you suggest Gregorian chant?’ I clarified excitedly.

The fishing guy on the pier chuckled and he knew he got bait. ‘It is the simplest last monastery in all over Canada that offers mass offerings in Gregorian chant!’

And he introduced, with a severe tone in his voice, ‘You higher make certain its certainly one of your stops.’

Oh, he doesn’t should sternly ring a bell in me. I am going to Saint-Benoit-du-Lac! For certain. Did I tell in this weblog that I am crazy approximately Enigma? A new age musical mission from Germany. Enigma is inspired by using the Gregorian chants.

As you may see, it does pay to talk to the locals =)

Some extra analyzing about the abbey and choir:

Abbey of Saint-Benoit-du-Lac
Choir of the Abbey of Saint-Benoit-du-Lac

My direction from North Hatley where I stayed passing via Magog and then Saint-Benoit-du-Lac:

Fast ahead and I changed into within the automobile parking space of the abbey. It was just before 11:00 Sunday morning and I observed a whole lot of motors parked already. There need to be a mass carrier happening I thought, and I can best hope to witness the Gregorian chant mass in a few minutes.

I moved quickly throughout the driveway and silently entered the chilled corridor of the monastery. My eyes went quick to the colourful interior partitions, ceiling and floor that welcomed me. Oh wow, what a kaleidoscope of colors. My educational heritage is artwork and layout, so every now and then I simply can not help myself however stop and appreciate lovely craft. On the hallway partitions I determined an exhibit approximately the history of the abbey.

In the basement is the shop where the clergymen sell domestic-made jelly, jam, cider and cheese. But it's miles closed and I questioned why. But before I ought to even think of a reason I heard the chants vibrating in opposition to the partitions of the building. I went again up and walked at the lengthy hallway until I reached the give up wherein it added me to the doorway of the abbey’s church.

Ah, there it's far, the mass carrier and the priests are standing across the officiating priest wearing long dark robes and that they were chanting. The Benedictine priests and their Gregorian chants!

I stepped within the church, sat down on the ultimate pew and joined the mass, even if I didn’t recognize a single thing because it was all in French (and Latin I suppose?). I do no longer accept as true with in any god by using the way, but I do no longer mind taking element in non secular gatherings. I pay my respects and have found out to appreciate the Eucharistic ceremony. I see it now as part of lifestyle that is special to mankind, and in this example here at Saint-Benoit-du-Lac, greater special. It does no longer take place ordinary or each month whilst you get the threat to visit a Benectine Abbey and witness the priests chant in Gregorian.

So I sat there among the believers, an atheist-agnostic-heathen as a few would in all likelihood name me, being attentive to the carrier and the monks chant. It become stunning tune in my ears and I am very satisfied to be here. Now I recognize why the Cretu, the person at the back of Enigma changed into interested in Gregorian chants.

Sorry—no image and video of the priests making a song the chants.

After mass I went out of doors for a little walk. Just by way of the doorway of the abbey is an apple farm. It is open and is selling freshly picked apples with the aid of the crate. You also can pick out the apples from the bushes your self.

I haven’t been to an apple farm and there are masses of them inside the Netherlands. Maybe because I am no longer a massive apple man or woman. I do not thoughts picking cherries although due to the fact I like them, which reminds me, it's far cherry season now. I may want to tug the Dutchman to a nearby cherry farm this type of weekends.

So with that, I left Saint Benoit-du-Lac with a huge smile plastered throughout my face. At closing, I actually have witnessed the real Benedictine clergymen making a song the authentic Gregorian chants.

Almost there... =)

At the entrance of the abbey you may discover this apple farm.

Saint Benedict Abbey (Abbaye Saint-Benoit-du-Lac).

The hall with a whole lot of ancient data on the wall about the abbey.

A kaleidoscope of colours on the floor.

Anybody who enters this space I am positive will stop for a 2d or two to realize the colorful tilework design.

I wandered a bit outdoor the grounds of the abbey however did not pass a ways away as I failed to need to trespass.

I went alternatively to test out the apple farm. The name of those crates of apples is very apt!

They have been promoting freshly picked apples by the crate.

But you can pick them yourself including this man or woman who just got here back from apple choosing.

The keep of the farm.

Goodbye Saint-Benoit-du-Lac! On my manner right here to Montreal =)

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Travel Period: October 2019
Destination: Saint Benoit du Lac, Eastern Townships (Quebec), Canada

Don't Miss it!: Eastern Townships (Quebec), Canada Magog Impressions

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Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)