Culture and Ideas · October 24, 2026
Priest in Gironde faces severe bee colony losses due to climate changes
Pierre-Alain Lejeune, a 53-year-old priest serving in the Gironde region, reports that his bee colonies are experiencing significant weakness and population decline during the autumn of 2026. The priest, who has practiced apiculture for nearly nine years, states that this is the first time he has observed such a severe reduction in the strength of his hives. He acknowledges that he may lose several of his current eleven colonies before the winter season concludes.
The decline in bee health follows the heatwaves that occurred in June. These extreme temperatures have compromised the ability of queen bees to lay eggs for the winter generation and have hindered the accumulation of necessary food reserves. Additionally, the priest notes that increasingly mild winters are complicating efforts to control the varroa mite, a parasite that affects bees, as well as the spread of the Asian giant hornet. These combined factors have created an alarming situation for the local beekeeping community.
Despite the challenges, Lejeune intends to continue his apiculture activities. He is currently providing supplemental feeding and support to his bees to help them survive the winter. He describes the practice as a permanent struggle that requires constant attention. The priest began beekeeping nearly nine years ago at the invitation of a friend, initially as a simple activity to stay grounded. Over time, the practice evolved into a source of patience and spiritual reflection for him.
Lejeune currently manages twelve hives, a number he considers symbolic. His beekeeping operations began in Saint Médard en Jalles and were later continued in Libourne. In Libourne, the practice became a parish affair, with local parishioners offering their gardens for the placement of hives. The priest notes that many priests in the past engaged in agricultural activities, a tradition that has largely been lost over time. He believes that having a passion for a specific activity helps the community know and connect with their priest.
The honey produced by his bees is primarily given away during baptisms, weddings, and when he visits people in their homes. Lejeune views the sharing of honey as a personal gesture that fosters community bonds. He also uses the time spent observing his bees as a source of inspiration for his homilies. He highlights the relationship between bees and nature, noting that bees visit flowers without damaging them, contributing to the life of their surroundings while receiving sustenance. This dynamic serves as a metaphor for how what is received from God should be shared to bear fruit.
The priest describes apiculture as a school for self-mastery and gentleness. He believes that the practice encourages a conversion of the soul and heart, aiming to recover the initial gentleness of creation. He references the concept of a culture of waste, questioning not only the relationship with natural resources but also the way humans treat one another. The experience of losing bees has deepened his awareness of the fragility of living things and the importance of gentle stewardship.