During the rain storm and the violent winds that hit the region of Aude (South of France) in October 2018, and again in October 2019 (the renovations were just starting!), water broke in by the roof on the first floor in the Sisters’ rooms and in the library, despite the buckets and the plastic covers that have been spread out in the attic for many years now.

It was becoming evident: the roofs of the monastery, without isolation, built near the end of the 19th century, were now in need of urgent renovations!

At the time of their arrival in 2008, the canonesses had to redo the roof of the church. Two years ago, to allow families and visitors on retreats to stay on dry grounds, the Sisters renovated the roof in the guest quarter section. Now, they need your help for the rest of the monastery, especially for the infirmary!

The Canonesses of the Mother of God are daughters of St. Augustine. For the glory of God and the salvation of souls, they lead a life of prayer and of missionary service.

The community, recognized by Rome in 2000, includes 18 members. They arrived in the village of Azille, in the diocese of Carcassonne (Aude), in 2008 following the Poor Clares that were present there since the 14th century.

• visibilityMieux connaître cette communauté
  The Canonesses of the Mother of God lead a contemplative and apostolic community life, following the Rule of St. Augustine.
  For the love of Christ and of their brethren, they give themselves entirely to the search of God in prayer: in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and the Divine Office sung in Gregorian Chant, in silent prayer, and in Lectio Divina.
  As a place of peace and recollection, the monastery is also a place of hospitality, of listening, and of growth in the Christian life for all those who come to rest and refresh themselves.
  The community makes itself available for the apostolic works that are confided to her by the Church.
  They value particularly their apostolate to the sick, the old and the isolated. Hence, they participate to the diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes, make home visits in the village, and organize a prayer group in a retirement house.
  The Sisters are sent in mission towards the young (camps, retreats), they also accompany families during family sessions, pilgrimages, and at the monastery.
  For many years, they have been developing their apostolate towards family mothers: during pilgrimages on the roads of Cotignac or on retreat at the monastery.
  

  www.soeursdazille.com

  
  

The Sisters’ work is not sufficient to cover such fees:

The Sisters cover the daily tasks of the monastery (kitchen, sowing, laundry, sacristy… each has her duty.) They also work in the garden, and transform garden produce in canned jars and jams… Some are specialized in the confection of priest cassocks, and in creating varied sowing products for “Artisanat Monastique”.

All this work is necessarily limited. Indeed, the canonesses have about 6 to 7 hours of liturgical and personal prayer in their daily schedule. They also study in order to prepare their apostolic missions and works. By itself, the community would not be able to afford the renovations.

*This project has already been supported by many … but your help is still very precious! *
Numerous benefactors have already answered by donations with the newsletter, “Lettre aux Amis”, of the canonesses: individuals, associations, religious communities, businesses, foundations…
Please join us with those who have already given to this project.
Their generosity allowed the canonesses to begin the construction work last June 2019 while hoping to bring it to term.

However, there are still 75 000 € left to find before March 2020 to finish paying all the bills. If everyone offers a few tiles … the 75 000 € will be reached! That is why we are sending a call for your generosity.

Thank you !

All donations are welcome. The Sisters know that you must already be solicited for multiple causes, and so are even more grateful towards your help.

« God loves a cheerful giver. » (II Cor 9,7)

The Sisters pray in a particularly manner for their benefactors, every day! Also, every month, a Holy Mass is offered at the monastery for their intentions.

The canonesses would also be thankful if you could share the project and the financial campaign around you, and if you could also help them by your prayers.
The Sisters would be glad to send you their “Lettre aux Amis” (free of charge) to share the progress of the constructions, and news of the community and of its activities.