French Benedictine abbey welcomes convicted serial killer

The monks of Fontgombault Abbey cited the Gospel and mercy to justify their gesture of welcome

In a letter, signed by Father Jean Pateau and the members of his council, the monks of Fontgombault put forward the Gospel and mercy to justify their gesture of welcome. (Photo by GUILLAUME OFTEN/AFP)

A man who murdered five members of his family was released from prison on June 28, to join the French Benedictine Abbey of Fontgombault.

Father Jean Pateau, the abbot, explained the decision in the name of the Gospel and mercy.

He lied for nearly 20 years, claiming to be a doctor at the World Health Organization, before murdering his wife, two children and parents on Jan. 9, 1993.

After spending 26 years in detention, Jean-Claude Romand obtained parole and was transferred on June 28 from Saint-Maur prison (Indre) to the Benedictine Abbey of Fontgombault.

However, he remains under 'house arrest' wearing an electronic bracelet and banned from leaving the premises at night.

The announcement of the release of the 65-year-old murderer, granted on April 25 by the Bourges Court of Appeal, caused widespread outrage in the media and on social networks.

In a letter, signed by Father Pateau and the members of his council, the monks of Fontgombault cited the Gospel and mercy to justify their gesture of welcome.

"Why did you agree to put us in the spotlight of the press, with the many disadvantages that this has for our life of prayer and silence? For what purpose? The answer to these questions, which are quite legitimate, is ultimately very simple: the Gospel," he wrote.

The letter also recalled Jesus' benevolent gaze on all in the name of mercy. He quoted the good thief - a bandit sentenced to death - and Mary Magdalene - a repentant sinner.

Fontgombault Abbey explained that it was approached by the prison chaplain who accompanied Romand on his spiritual journey, "with other monasteries which all responded positively to this proposal."

Fontgombault Abbey as a refuge

Father Pateau hopes that the repentant will find refuge at the abbey.

"By opening our doors to Mr Romand, we want, while making our own the goals pursued by justice, to give him to place himself before God, his ultimate judge at the door of eternity," he stated in the letter, conceding, however, that this release may hurt the relatives of the five victims.

"We do not forget the family of Mr. Romand's wife, who has suffered so much, and we ask God in prayer to ease the suffering of hearts, knowing that for all, only eternity will be the place of all consolation, in perfect reconciliation within the light of God," the abbot wrote.

At the announcement of his release, a relative of Romand's late wife told France 3 Rhône-Alpes that "this man is not a human being for having done this and that we don't want him living in relative freedom."

Romand will now lead this existence within the monastery, out of sight.