Dom Prosper Guéranger restored monastic life at Solesmes in 1833. He was born in Sablé on 4 April 1805.

“He went to seminary in Le Mans, was ordained to the priesthood in 1827 and was fascinated by Church history. Guéranger’s desire to lead monastic life was first sparked by discovering a historical period when monasticism had flourished and by coming into contact with the great works published by the Maurists. When in 1831 he heard that the priory of Solesmes was about to be demolished, he thought of buying it himself to live Benedictine life there. Helped by some friends and encouraged by his bishop, he scraped together enough money to rent the monastery and moved in with three companions on 11 July 1833. The small community was penniless, lacked prestige to attract vocations and, above all, had no experience of monastic life. Guéranger was its superior for twenty-eight years even though he had never received a monastic formation. Had the undertaking not been an act of faith, it would have been utter madness. But the young Prior Guéranger had a very sound sense for all things Benedictine, for the liturgy, and for the spiritual life. He was therefore a living example for his monks.”

This article is continued at this link

https://www.solesmes.com/abbe/dom-prosper-gueranger