Career
Gustave Chautard became a novice in the Trappist abbey of Aiguebelle on May 6, 1877. After theological studies he was ordained a priest on 3 June 1884. Among his early duties was the care of the abbey’s chocolate factory.
In 1897, he was elected abbot in the monastery Chambarand near Grenoble and then, only two years later, he became abbot of the monastery that had founded Chambarand, September-Fons.
Thus, he became responsible for several foundations that September-Fons had made in the 19th century. Chautard became one of the leading figures in the Trappist Order.
Monks from Louisiana Trappe and September-Fons were sent there to reestablish Cistercian life. Jean-Baptiste Chautard suffered a fatal heart attack while returning home from the Trappist General Chapter in 1935.