Carmel at Angers

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The History of our Monastery

Founded in 1626, the Carmel at Angers is the 38th Carmel of France. In 1638, the Carmelites bought the Hotel du Puy Gaillard in the rue Lionnaise, and had the monastery built there between 1646 and 1666. The chapel was finished in 1721. During the Revolution, the sisters were expelled and dispersed amongst family and local friends. The monastery became a hospice, then prison, then a hospital.
In 1850, at the request of the Bishop, 5 Carmelites from Cahors accepted to refound the Carmel at Angers. Providentially, at that moment, the monastery was put up for sale, so the sisters were able to buy it back, thanks to a benefactress. The community of today has thus the rare privilege of occupying the original monastery.

The monastery today

Rooted in the Carmelite tradition, following the prophet Elijah and St Teresa of Avila, the sisters continue their mission of prayer at the heart of the Church and the world.
They lead a life of silence and fraternity, carrying in their prayer all the men and women of our time. By silent prayer, the praise of the Hours (prayer sung in the Church) and the celebration of the Mass, they turn to God day after day. The Chapel is open to all those who wish to share their prayer and to take time to recharge their spiritual batteries.
The sisters can also welcome people for a time of retreat, and a room is available for those who wish to meet in a monastic setting.
The fabrication of altar breads is the principal work of the community. It is also a further concrete link with the Church.

Special features of our monastery

7.15 a.m. Lauds (Morning prayer)
Eucharist :
10.00 a.m : Sunday
11.15 : Monday, Tuesday
7.45 a.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
12.00 p.m. Midday prayer
5.00 p.m. Silent prayer
6.00 p.m. Vespers (evening prayer)
Vigil of the Feasts of Carmelite saints : time of prayer at 8.30 p.m.
First Sunday of the month, from 5–6 p.m. : adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and time of prayer for vocations.
These propositions and details of other one-off events are available on the internet (www.diocese49.org) and a leaflet is produced each year.

About

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  • Federation : Toulouse-Bordeaux
  • Diocese : Angers
  • Ecclesiastical Province : Rennes

Contact our monastery

Monastère du Carmel
39, rue Lionnaise
49 100 ANGERS

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