Hostellerie Charles de Foucauld, Viviers

History

The first seminary was founded by Bishop de Beaume de Suze in 1650.

When he arrived in the diocese (shortly after the wars of religion) in 1628, he realized the dilapidation of the parishes and his first pastoral visit was a real mission. He had asked for help from the Jesuits and in 1633 Father Jean-François Régis was one of these missionaries.

The condition of the clergy was hardly better than that of the parishes ... At the time, to be ordained a priest, it was enough to know how to read and write and to know the sections of the Missal. Bishop de Suze was so dismayed by certain sermons that he forbade his parish priests to preach without his permission.

The Council of Trent (1545 - 1563) had asked for the creation of seminaries. In France at the start of Bishop de Suze's episcopate, Mr. Olier (founder of the Fathers of St Sulpice) began his apostolate in the Cévennes. He suffered from a knee affliction at rest in Tournon where he was cured. For him it was thanks to the intervention of Ntre-Dame de Bon Secours.

Bishop de Suze, during a meeting in Paris, contacted Mr. Olier to ask for the creation of a seminary in the diocese. The request was approved, three priests came. The first seminary was created near the cathedral (former masters). It had little success initially (future priests came there for their retreat before ordination). Mr Olier spent the last five years of his life in Ardèche. He was attentive to the seminary and made numerous missions in the parish.

In 1657 Bishop de Suze published the first general regulations for the Viviers seminary. Future priests must spend there three months before ordination, 10 days before minor orders, 8 days before the tonsure.

The seminary grew in importance and people came from neighboring dioceses. In 1670 "he received letters patented" from Louis XIV. But were faced with the cramped nature of the premises.

On May 10, 1772, a fire destroyed the seminary. The following were spared: the library, the chapel and a few rooms. The seminarians could not save their own affairs. The seminar was temporarily held in Bourg Saint Andéol.

The major seminary, a new building

On June 30, 1776, land was acquired in the “Moulin à vent” district outside the ramparts of Viviers. On September 9 the earthworks began. The first stone was laid on May 22, 1777. In October 1785 the new seminary began to function.

At the time only the central part existed. Its construction had been well thought out for its function. The fear of fire had meant that wood was only used for frames, and if the fire caught in one room it would hardly be communicated elsewhere.

During the French revolution. Mgr de la Font de Savines, bishop of Viviers since 1778, was among the 4 bishops sworn in "the civil constitution of the clergy". When he took this oath in February 1791, the directors of the seminary left the cathedral. They refused to take this oath and had to leave the seminary. The seminary will become barracks, then state prison. Then everyone could get the materials they needed. It will undergo numerous degradations.

After this troubled period, Bishop Aviau du Bois de Sanzay, Archbishop of Vienne, was appointed administrator of the diocese of Viviers. He appointed as vicar general a priest from Villeneuve de Berg who had an edifying conduct during the revolution: Father Régis Vernet (Sulpician). Between 1791 and 1802, only 5 priests were ordained for the diocese. Following the Concordat of 1802, Viviers was attached to the diocese of Mende.

Mr. Régis Vernet worked for the restoration of the seminary.

He wanted to buy back the seminary, which now belonged to The Legion of Honor. At first he rented it (afferma) for 430 Fr. He received support from the prefect of Ardèche who allocated the sum of 1500 Fr for several years for the work. He reopened the seminary in 1806 without the support of the Bishop of Mende. He had to do it with very little means. He was able to personally redeem the seminary in 1807 and, at the start of the school year, 20 people were present (17 seminarians and 3 directors), the bishop of Mende had appointed him superior. He appealed to the generosity of the Ardèche clergy to make it work. The seminary prospered but Napoleon decided to drive out all the Sulpicians. Mr. Vernet left for Thuyets and he wrote the “rules of the Congregation for the Presentation of Mary” founded by Marie Rivier.

The reestablishment of the diocese of Viviers in 1802

M. Vernet had worked on it a great deal. In 1824 he was finally able to cede ownership of the seminary to the diocese of Viviers. The seminary had become too small. A wing had to be added for the seminarians who were doing “their philosophy” before starting theology. It also appeared necessary to separate these two communities. This was done in 1826. The floors of the two buildings corresponded in be them.

But a large chapel was missing. It was obvious she had to face the Philosophy Wing. Mr. Vernet had designed the plans just as he had for the Philosophy Wing. All the interior cladding was in stone from St Paul's Three Castles. The pilasters, columns and basement in black and pink marble. In the apse a statue of Lady of the Clergy. A tribune was built for the families of the ordained. 4 oratories and a large sacristy complete it.

It was in this chapel that Charles de Foucauld, priest of the diocese of Viviers, was ordained in 1901

1905: Laws of separation of church and state

In the first fortnight of December 1906, the directors and seminarians were expelled. On December 19, Bishop Bonnet was in turn to be expelled from the episcopal palace.

During this period the Viviers seminar was used to house troops, Alsatian refugees and then interned suspects (Germans). The latter tore off doors and wood for heating. The walls were covered with inscriptions, the sacred vessels stolen ... These unwanted "guests" did not leave until 1919.

In 1923, Mr A.M de Lafarge bought it from the General Council for the sum of 100,000 fr. Everyone knew he would make this building available to the diocese. After the necessary restoration work, in February 1924, the seminary left Aubenas for Viviers. There were 120 seminarians in 1906, and only 70 in 1924 (The Great War had done its work)

Based on the work of Mg R. Hilaire, Le Séminaire de Viviers son histoire (1650 - 1924), Aubenas, 1930

Food & beverage

Breakfast is served in the form of a self-service / cafeteria or as a buffet depending on the option chosen in your accommodation package. For any specific request: contact the hotel directly.

Lunch and / or dinner are served on a platter. For any specific request: contact the hotel directly.

SPECIAL DIETS

In order to best meet everyone's needs, the meals can be adapted to suit your needs. For any specific request: contact the hotel directly.

• Vegetarian diet
• Vegan diet
• Mixed menus
• Gluten free meals