LE CANTOU

On the Rocamadour variant of the chemins de Saint-Jacques, located right at the foot of the sanctuary, this Christian welcome belongs to the congregation of the Sisters of Notre-Dame du Calvaire de Gramat-Rocamadour. The Sisters of Notre-Dame du Calvaire trace their roots back to the Mother House in Gramat, the cradle of the Congregation, to Blessed Father Bonhomme (whose 20th anniversary of beatification was celebrated in 2023) and the founders, Hortense Pradel (Mère Thérèse) and her sister Adèle. The congregation was founded on October 15, 1833 to care for the homebound sick and parish works. The community's first nuns, originally called Sisters of the Presentation of the Virgin, quickly multiplied and opened several parish schools in rural areas of the Cahors diocese. Construction of the motherhouse began in Gramat in 1883. The institute obtained the Decree of Praise on March 8, 1911, and the congregation was finally approved by the Holy See on December 27, 1927. From then on, the congregation grew steadily in France, before sisters moved to other parts of the world: first to Latin America, with Brazil in 1906, Argentina in 1907 and the Amazon in 1935; then to Africa, with the Ivory Coast in 1959, Guinea Conakry in 1991 and Burkina Faso in 2007; and finally to Asia, with the Philippines in 1999 and Vietnam in 2009. The congregation makes the Cantou guest house available to welcome pilgrims from all horizons, cultures and languages, with diverse projects, as well as retreatants and nuns from all congregations, for a time of desert, rest and renewal. The Cantou also welcomes lay people who are not necessarily on pilgrimage. Situated close to the Rocamadour sanctuaries, the gîte enjoys a peaceful setting conducive to meditation, and an exceptional view of the site. The sisters of the community take part in the life of the sanctuary, inviting all those who wish to share their time of prayer, as well as times of meeting and exchange. Services are those of the Rocamadour sanctuary. There are 6 single rooms, 2 double rooms and 1 dormitory for 7 people. There is no catering service, but a fully-equipped kitchen is available to guests, and picnic lunches are available. Reception and accommodation are provided by the sisters, assisted by a number of hospital volunteers.