THE MONT-SAINT-MICHEL FOUNDATION

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1 THE MONT-SAINT-MICHEL FOUNDATION 1 «TO RESTORE THE SPIRITUAL AND CULTURAL ASPECT OF MONT-SAINT-MICHEL» A PROJECT SUPPORTED BY THE GENEROSITY OF PATRONS

2 AN OUTSTANDING HISTORIC SITE 2 Nearly 3 million visitors each year A UNESCO World Heritage Site An inspiration across generations and boundaries to experience Christian faith and culture

3 13 CENTURIES AGO 1300 years ago, St Michael the Archangel asked Aubert, Bishop of Avranches to build a chapel on Mont Tombe. 3

4 13 CENTURIES OF HISTORY, PART OF ETERNITY 709 X th XI th XV th XVIII th XIX th XX th ss 4 1 st church consecrated by Aubert, Bishop of Avranches, at the request of Saint Michael the Archangel Benedictine monks construct the Pre- Romanesque church Architectural development : - Building the foundation of the crypts, - Construction of the grand Abbey on the rock - Enlargement of the Romanesque monastery - Building of the Gothic Marvel Prison during the French Revolution and the Empire Significant restoration of the Abbey Designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

5 A MOMENT IN HISTORY TO EXPERIENCE TOGETHER Mont-Saint-Michel has been restored to its maritime and insular situation. Now it is not only tourism which is important.. Pilgrims and other visitors seeking a purpose in their lives can be warmly welcomed and accompanied on their pathway 5

6 DEDICATE A PLACE TO THE SPIRITUAL AND CULTURAL LIFE OF MONT-SAINT-MICHEL This unique project, on one of the most beautiful sites in the world, will enable future generations the opportunity to experience the spiritual and cultural life of Mont-Saint-Michel. The project : the Priory of Mont-Saint-Michel has been acquired is undergoing restoration work and transformations 6 can already accommodate visitors searching for a purpose in life

7 AT THE HEART OF THE PROJECT, THE MONT-SAINT-MICHEL FOUNDATION Its founders : The Right Reverend Stanislas Lalanne, Bishop of Coutances and Avranches from 2007 to 2013 The Right Reverend Laurent Le Boulc h, Bishop of Coutances and Avranches from 2013 to present The Most Reverend Pierre d Ornellas, Archbishop of Rennes, Dol de Bretagne and Saint-Malo Reverend Father André Antoni, CEO of Bayard Group Christian Herrault, private patrons representative Its purpose : to welcome all visitors and introduce them to the splendour of the site, of the Abbey and of the liturgy of Mont-Saint- Michel Its initial project : the Priory of the Mont-Saint- Michel 7

8 AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY : TO BRING THE PRIORY OF MONT-SAINT-MICHEL TO LIFE 8 The site has come back to life. Situated on the mainland, facing the Mount Historically, an integral part of the Abbey A group of buildings built in the same stone as the Mount to restore it to its original purpose

9 ANSWERS TO THE DESIRES OF PILGRIMS Discover an exceptional site Guided walks across the Bay to the Mount Exhibitions on the history and vocation of the Mount Screening of the film, Mont et Merveille Daily Mass in the Abbey said by the monks and nuns of the Monastic Fraternity of Jerusalem Embrace the spirituality of the Mount Personal spiritual support Courses and conferences Pilgrimages Meeting with the communities of the Bay Possibility of daily prayers in the oratory 9 A place to stay Rooms and dormitories (50 beds) An area equipped for camping A large space of 10 ha (24,7 acres) at the edge of the salt marshes of the Bay, for walks and relaxation in an unspoiled countryside

10 ANSWERS TO THE DESIRES OF PILGRIMS Enjoy meeting people Communal areas Possibility of accommodation couples, families or groups Picnic areas Listen and learn Conference rooms Exhibition rooms Meeting rooms 10

11 The Mount has inspired pilgrims for centuries, come and leave your footprints in the sands.. Fondation du Mont Saint Michel sous l égide de la Fondation Notre Dame 2 rue du Prieuré, Ardevon, France Francois-Xavier de Beaulaincourt [email protected] (0)