What is American Friends of L’Abbaye de Lagrasse?

American Friends of l'Abbaye de Lagrasse, LLC is the US fundraising entity for the Abbaye Sainte-Marie de Lagrasse. American Friends of L’Abbaye de Lagrasse is dedicated to supporting the restoration of Lagrasse Abbey.

Where is Lagrasse Abbey located?

Lagrasse Abbey (Abbaye de Lagrasse) is located in the South of France about 20 miles south-east of Carcassonne, in the Aude department of Languedoc-Roussillon. View on Google Maps

When was Lagrasse Abbey founded?

Lagrasse Abbey was founded in the 8th century, the Abbey presents great diversity in architectural styles up until the 18th century. The Abbey was brought back from abandonment and desolation when the current community of canons took up residence and began the daunting task of restoring the Abbey.

What is project Revive in a few words?

Revive Lagrasse Abbey is an ambitious 5-year campaign with a $6.7 million fundraising goal to raise the necessary funds for the restorations projects. Learn more and how can I help

Does anyone live at Lagrasse Abbey?

Yes, people live in Lagrasse Abbey! In 2004, the community of canons took up residence at Lagrasse Abbey. This young community – the average age of the canons is 43 years old – brought the Abbey back from abandonment and desolation, shining new light on its architectural beauty and elevating its soul with their Gregorian chants. Today, they need your help!

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Your generous contribution to American Friends of L’Abbaye de Lagrasse, LLC is deductible as provided in Section 170 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. You make the restoration of Lagrasse Abbey possible. Donate online now Contributions by check should be made payable to the order of “American Friends of L’Abbaye de Lagrasse, LLC” and mailed to: American Friends of L’Abbaye de Lagrasse, LLC Attn: Jennifer Herlein 14 East 60th Street, Suite 605 New York, NY 10022

French Heritage Society and The American Friends of L’Abbaye de Lagrasse Co-host Presentation

French Heritage Society (FHS) and The American Friends of L’Abbaye de Lagrasse jointly hosted a presentation at the French Consulate in New York on the evening of Thursday, March 5, 2020. The topic was “Abbaye de Lagrasse: 1,000 Years of Human Expression in the Architecture of a Sacred Site.” As part of the evening, The Abbaye announced the launching of its American Friends effort, which is part of to the FHS Fiscal Sponsorship Program. Its planned fundraising campaign, Revive Lagrasse Abbey, is an ambitious 5-year campaign targeting a $6.7 million fundraising goal for L’Abbaye de Lagrasse restoration projects.

FHS Board Chairman Elizabeth F. Stribling welcomed Didier Repellin, Architecte en Chef des Monuments Historiques, Inspecteur Général des Monuments Historiques and FHS Honorary Board member. The event was held in the presence of the Très Révérend Père Emmanuel-Marie, Abbé des Chanoines de Lagrasse and Eric Bayer, Vice-Consul General of France in New York.

“The restoration of our Abbaye de Lagrasse is an extraordinary challenge: to give life to such a monument is a cultural, human and spiritual adventure, unique in France today,” said Très Révérend Père Emmanuel-Marie.

Didier Repellin then elaborated on the ingenuity of the ancient engineering of the Abbey. He specifically focused on the Abbey’s remarkable masonry.

A lively cocktail reception followed: