“I discovered that God loved me and expected one thing in return: for me to love Him back.” Now, he will explore this love in the monastic life at the Lagrasse Abbey, home to the Augustinian monks since the 7th century, located about 400 kilometers from Paris.

Editorial (May 1, 2024, 17:39, Gaudium Press) – At the age of 32, Ludovic Duée, captain of the Saint-Nazaire volleyball team and recent French national champion, has made a dramatic life decision to leave behind his professional sports career to serve God.

From the peak of his athletic career, Duée will swap the volleyball courts for the austere, sacred walls of a monastery. He plans to join the Sainte Marie de Lagrasse Abbey, immersing himself in a life of religious devotion.

On April 28, Ludovic was celebrated with awards and trophies for his exceptional skill that brought him to the pinnacle of French volleyball. However, a deeper call from God proved stronger. “This decision comes from the depths of my soul,” he stated.

Coming from a religious family, Duée mentioned that his own practice was minimal until he encountered the regular canons of Lagrasse during the Covid pandemic. “They were very welcoming and answered all my questions,” he explained.

In his discussions with the monks, a special devotion to the Mother of God was highlighted. “I discovered that God loved me and expected one thing in return: for me to love Him back.” Now, he will explore this love in the monastic life at the Lagrasse Abbey, home to the Augustinian monks since the 7th century, located about 400 kilometers from Paris.

“Over the next few months, I will live and breathe the canonical life. I’ll experience everything to gain a deeper understanding of the community and determine if this is the right long-term choice for me and them,” Ludovic noted.

Duée thus begins a journey filled with inevitable challenges but supported by the prayers of the community.

Compiled by Gustavo Kralj