Departure of the Cistercian nuns of Merci-Dieu
- Feb 24
- 1 min read
Diocese press release (17 February 2026)
Since 1969, at the Merci-Dieu monastery in Saint-Jean-d'Assé, near Le Mans (France), sisters have been living a life of prayer, hospitality and craftsmanship, weaving and making liturgical vestments (chasubles, stoles, albs, etc.). Their life is governed by the Rule of Saint Benedict.
The nuns have realised that the buildings are now unsuitable due to their age and condition. Therefore, after a year of communal discernment, in consultation with Bishop Vuillemin of Le Mans, it was decided that the Institut de la Merci-Dieu would not be dissolved, but that five nuns would join a nursing home, integrate into a more suitable religious community, or continue to live their monastic vows in other ways. In conjunction with the Diocese of Le Mans, discussions are underway regarding the future of the Merci-Dieu buildings.
The Merci-Dieu community and the diocese warmly thank all those who, near and far, have helped the community to remain faithful to its mission. For 2,000 years, the life of the Church has always been marked by countless changes! Mgr Jean-Pierre Vuillemin fraternally invites friends, volunteers and all the faithful of the Diocese of Le Mans to give thanks for all that has been experienced at Merci-Dieu in the name of Christ and his Gospel.
Monsignor Jean-Pierre Vuillemin will preside over a Mass of Thanksgiving on Saturday, 27 June 2026, at 4 p.m. in the Chapel of Merci-Dieu in the presence of the Sisters. The Mass will be followed by a reception.
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