COUVENT SAINT-JEAN-DE-MATHA

The Brotherhood of the Holy Trinity was established in 1644 in the parish of Faucon. In 1661, the Fathers asked the Duke of Savoy for authorization to found a convent of their order. They obtained all the necessary approvals, but the Dominicans of Barcelonnette opposed the project as it could harm their interests. The Penitents' chapel was nevertheless made available to the Trinitarians in 1668, and the monastery was completed in 1684. The relics of Saint Jean de Matha, founder of the order in 1193, were transferred from Faucon to the Trinitaires' church in August 1674. Over the years, the convent became part of the Italian Province, then of the Spanish Trinitarian Reformation. During the French Revolution, it was sold as national property.

In 1852, the convent was bought by the Roman prince Alexander Torlonia at the request of his friend Father Anthony of the Mother of God, Minister General, who wished to establish a religious community there. The Fathers were again expelled in 1900. They were replaced by the Trinitarian Hospitaller Sisters of Sainte-Marthe de Marseille until 1905. Prince Torlonia entrusted the convent to the parish priest of Faucon. In 1962, use of the convent was granted to the Trinitarian Sisters of Valence. They remained there until 1977, when they were replaced by Trinitarian Fathers from Quebec. In 1998, a French minister was appointed to head the convent.

Located in the Ubaye valley, in the village of Faucon near Barcelonnette, the convent of the Trinitarian Brothers of Saint-Jean-de-Matha enjoys an exceptional mountain setting. It boasts an ^18th-century chapel seating two hundred, an inner courtyard, a cloister, an oratory and a library, reading room and meeting room. You can share in the prayer of the community, which is permanently staffed by at least one Father and one Brother. Individual retreats are available, the duration and course of which are left to the initiative of each individual.

Services : Lauds at 8:15 a.m. Monday to Friday, Lauds and Mass at 9 a.m. Saturday, Lauds and Meditation at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Mass at 5:45 p.m. Monday to Friday, Sunday Mass at 5 p.m. Saturday, Vespers and Adoration at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Compline at 8:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Adoration at 9pm on Thursdays.

Accommodation: 15 rooms, capacity for 15 people. Half or full board available. Groups and families welcome at the Maison-Alpes-Monjoie (adjacent to the monastery).