Tradition holds that Saint-Pierre de Molosmes Abbey was founded by Clovis I (c. 466–511) in the early sixth century. The community subsequently adopted the Rule of Saint Benedict. In 889, the Frankish king Odo (c. 852–898) confirmed to Bishop Argrinus of Langres the possessions of his diocese, which included the monastery of Molosmes. Around the twelfth century, the community moved to a nearby site further south, where it built a new monastery, although it retained the original settlement.
Saint-Marcel de Molosmes
Among the relics venerated at the monastery was that of Théodechilde, daughter of Theuderic I (c. 485–534) and founder of Saint-Pierre-le-Vif Abbey in Sens (Yonne). Early hagiographical tradition regarded her as a daughter of Clovis, to whom the foundation of the monastery was attributed. Molosmes suffered during the passage of the Huguenots. Following these events, in 1667 the abbot requested the abbey’s incorporation into the Congregation of Saint-Maur, which undertook its reform and remained in charge until the outbreak of the French Revolution. At the site of the first monastery, a church built by the monks in 1541 survives; it is now the parish church, dedicated to Saint-Marcel. The buildings of the second monastery, erected during the Maurist period, have disappeared, and the site is now occupied by a farm.
Saint-Marcel de Molosmes
Saint-Marcel de Molosmes
Saint-Marcel de Molosmes
Saint-Marcel de Molosmes
Location of the second establishment in Molosmes
- CHABAU, Jean-Baptiste (1883). Sainte Théodechilde, vierge, fille de Clovis. Aurillac: L. Bonnet-Picut
- DU TEMS, Hugues (1775). Le clergé de France, vol. IV. París: Brunet
- MARTÈNE, Dom (1930). Histoire de la Congregation de Saint-Maur, vol. 4. Saint-Martin de Ligugé
- PEIGNÉ-DELACOURT, Achille (1877). Monasticon Gallicanum. Paris: G. Chamerot
- PIGNARD-PÉGUET, Maurice (1913). Histoire de l'Yonne. París: Librairie de l'Histoire générale illustrée des départements
- SAINT-MAUR, Congregació de (1725). Gallia Christiana in provincias ecclesiasticas distributa. Vol. 4. París: Typographia Regia
The original abbey of Molosmes stood in the commune of the same name, on the site now occupied by Saint-Marcel Church. The second monastery was further south, within the territory of Saint-Martin-sur-Armançon