Église des Capucins de Laval en Mayenne

Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of the Capuchins of Laval was built in the early seventeenth century, shortly after 1614, to accommodate the Capuchin fathers, a Franciscan congregation founded in 1525 and recognized in 1535. Arrived at Laval on June 24, 1614, the religious took possession of a land offered by the chapter of Saint-Tugal. Despite the opposition of the corders and Dominicans, they quickly built a church and a convent, thanks to the support of the chapter. The church, dedicated to Saint Geneviève, was consecrated in 1622 by the bishop of Le Mans, Charles de Beaumanoir de Lavardin.

The convent grew rapidly from 10 religious to over 40 in sixty years. Capuchins, active as missionaries and preachers, won public esteem. In 1709 an infirmary and a library were added, housing a rich collection of theological and historical works. This library, partly dispersed during the Revolution, later contributed to the founding of Laval's municipal library.

In the 18th century, the Capuchins organized periodic missions, such as the one of 1738, where 22 foreign fathers came to reinforce. In 1749 they celebrated the canonization of Joseph of Leonessa and Faithful of Sigmaringen with delight. However, tensions arose in 1750 when the Bishop of Mans, Charles Louis de Froulay, sanctioned the community for internal disagreements, limiting their religious activities.

The French Revolution marked the end of the convent. In 1791, the last eight or nine religious were expelled, some of whom adhered to the Civil Constitution of the clergy. The convent served briefly as a prison in 1792 before being sold and demolished, with some of the buildings. The church, symbol of Laval's religious and intellectual life, disappeared after nearly two centuries of history.

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