Carmel de la Sainte Mère de Dieu à Lectoure

The Carmel de la Sainte Mère de Dieu in Lectoure was founded on September 8, 1623, at the initiative of the city's Governor, Antoine de Roquelaure, by Mother Marie de la Trinité – Marie de Sevin –, then Prioress in Toulouse, formed at the Carmel de Paris by Anne de Jésus and Anne de St Barthélémy, close companions of St. Teresa of Ávila.

In 1793, the 27 Carmelites were expelled and the monastery was converted into a school and then a prison. In 1826, the royal support of Charles X enabled the recognition of the monastery, which had been repurchased by the two Carmelites who survived the Revolution. In 1901, the monastery was respected by the civil authorities. The Carmel thus stands on the very site of its founding, under the patronage of the Holy Mother of God.

To use St. Teresa's own words, we are "13 little poor ones" seeking to cultivate the great desires that the Madre wished to see alive in the hearts of her sisters.

The Carmel is nestled against the ramparts of a small, peaceful town, home to a cathedral and a rich religious heritage. These places are steeped in prayer and full of charm, though one should not expect them to be especially functional as well.
Sober liturgy, in French. Artisan work (liturgical vestments, altar bread baking, cane weaving). We have no guest house, only one room to welcome priests or women discerning a vocation.

We maintain bonds of mutual support and fraternal communion with the Catholic school St Joseph (middle and high school) in Lectoure, which has a wonderful outreach.
Once a week, a good-sized group of students joins a morning Mass at the Carmel.

Furthermore, this town in the Gers is located along the route to Santiago de Compostela. Our chapel is open to pilgrims who come to pray and join us for the Divine Office.