COMMUNIQUÉ FROM THE MONKS OF OKA
Monday, May 5, 2003.

A NEW MONASTIC PROJECT

In order to favour the contemplative dimension of our life, our community has decided to relocate. This choice is the fruit of a long process of reflection and discernment.
       Two major factors influenced our decision. On the one hand, thirty-one monks, more than half of whom are over the age of seventy, are presently living in a building constructed for almost two hundred. The material structure is becoming more and more difficult to run and to maintain. On the other hand, the growing urbanisation of the region is threatening the atmosphere of silence and solitude vital for the monastic life.
      We have therefore chosen to establish ourselves elsewhere - the precise location has yet to be determined - in an appropriate environment, and in buildings more in proportion with the size of our community. Our desire is to invest the best of ourselves and our energy in what lies at the heart of our vocation as monks and Christians, instead of in the upkeep of a heritage, beautiful and historic as it may be.
       However, it is not without regret that we leave Oka after more than 120 years, where our roots run very deep indeed. Such an important project can only proceed step by step, in the course of the months and years to come. Looking forward to the future and its newness, we are living this moment of our history in an attitude of faith and hope.

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September 2003 : Buying option on a land in the LANAUDIÈRE region of the Province of Quebec.

October 2003 : Community vote for the purchase of a land in Saint-Jean de Matha, Lanaudière, Qc.

March 2004  Signature of the contract to acquire a land in Saint-Jean de Matha, Lanaudière, Qc.

May 6, 2004  Open architectural contest.

July 2004 : 60 architecs joined the contest. Four were selected by jury. The name of the laureate will be published next september.

September 21, 2004 : The jury has selected the Laureate whose name will published Tuesday September 28.

May 11, 2007 : Oka monastery sold to La Corporation de l'Abbaye d'Oka

August 13, 2007 : Blessing of the construction site of the new monastery
                            Construction begins.

August 27, 2007 : Name given to the new monastery:

                            ABBAYE VAL NOTRE-DAME

PHOTOS

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