Poor Clares monastery in Millau

In 1291, a plot of land was made available under the Noline gate for the Abbess of the Poor Clares of Montpellier, in order to establish in Millau "a monastery of her Order." After many trials and tribulations, they settled there. In 1324, a flood of the Tarn river forced the Poor Clares to relocate to the Porte de la Capelle. The Wars of Religion brought an end to the monastery, which closed in 1562. In 1629, a new monastery was established at the Pont Vieux, with two Poor Clares who had come from Limoges. The upheaval of the Revolution forced the Poor Clares, in 1792, to abandon their convent and disperse.

In 1875, Sister Marie-Anne de Jésus arrived from the monastery of Perpignan with 8 other sisters to establish a new foundation, this time in the Monplaisir neighborhood. They settled in the current monastery in 1882.

We are a community of 15 sisters, from various parts of France. We are also an intercultural community, as among us are a sister from the Philippines and two sisters from Kabinda (in the Democratic Republic of Congo), a foundation of the monastery of Béziers, which is a great richness for our community life, liturgy, cooking... The Poor Clares monastery in Millau is dedicated to "Our Lady of Sorrows," also known as "Our Lady of Compassion," which deeply colors our relationships with one another and with those who knock at our door. Well rooted in Millau and in the parish, our community is beloved by the people of Millau.

We are a community where fraternal relationships are marked by simplicity and kindness, even if the difficulties inherent in any community life are never absent. Communication flows freely among us, particularly during community meetings, and one of the pillars of our life is the liturgy and listening to the Word of God.

We continue to work in the altar bread workshop. Making children's clothing, crafting origami cards or cards with dried flowers, and a small family hospitality ministry keep our days full, not to mention the upkeep of the house and garden.