A four-storey building in facing stones and with a garden at its feet, the whole is 5,000 square meters. This set belongs to the religious congregation of the Sisters of Paramé, in the city center of Saint-Malo. They sell their property to ensure the management of their aging. These nuns want to pass it on to people who will use this former EHPAD for social purposes.
“Our congregation is aging so we want to part with this building while we still have our heads”, smiles sister Paule Boulais, 74 years old. She is one of the youngest nuns of this congregation also present in Canada and Africa. “We are 45 sisters in France and 22 are in nursing homes or in independent living.”
– Lucie Amadieu
This congregation has lost its usefulness over time. “We were founded in the middle of the 19th century for the reception of the elderly and the education of schoolchildren in the countryside”recalls Sister Paule Boulais. “Today, these works are supported by society.”
“The sale will allow the sisters to live until the end, and at the same time to continue to support our works”explains Sister Paule Boulais.
Send for a good cause
The sisters are scrutinizing the profile of each candidate according to Claude Ménard, member of the site’s future commission. “We are open to all types of projects knowing that the congregation attaches great importance to the protection of the environment, to the commitment for more human and social justice, and then to welcome the most vulnerable.”
Precisely, this EHPAD has found a social function. Since the war in Ukraine, it has hosted several refugee families.
– Lucie Amadieu
How to submit an application?
A dozen visits are planned soon. “Groups or associations can apply until October 31 to our consultant Karism advice“explains Claude Ménard, member of the site’s future commission. The sisters will screen the applications.
– Lucie Amadieu
Successful applicants will have until the end of April 2023 to “present a more substantial project”. The congregation and the council of the order will make their decision for the beginning of the year 2024.