Monastery of St Clare in Perpignan- Service des Moniales

Monastery of St Clare in Perpignan

Posted in Diocese of Perpignan, Ecclesiastical province of Montpellier, Poor Clairs

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The History of our Monastery

Our monastery was founded in about 1260. We think that several nuns came from southern Catalonia. According to the vicissitudes of history, we have lived in about ten different places. At the time of the French Revolution some Poor Clares were still living in the town, and we were not expelled in 1901. So there has been a continual presence of the Poor Clares in the town of Perpignan for 750 years.

The monastery today

Our numbers have decreased, but the Monastery of St Clare in Perpignan remains a place of prayer and praise throughout the course of the day. Many people join us for sung Vespers followed by the Eucharist. We are frequently asked to welcome groups of children, prayer groups, and also individuals on retreat. In our small shop, jams, herbal teas and rosaries – all home-made – are on sale. Peace and Joy !

Special features of our monastery

The body of Mother Anne-Marie (1602 to 1676), a Catalonian Poor Clare of the 17th century can be venerated in a side chapel. Discovered during building work at the Couvent Royal (Royal Convent) during the Revolution, her body remains intact. The cause for her beatification has just been resumed (31st August 2013) and numerous people come to entrust their prayer intentions to her day after day.