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Origin and history

The church Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption de Montgesty, located in the Lot department, is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. It depends on the parish of Catus, in the diocese of Cahors. The village of Montgesty developed on the ruins of a Roman camp in the 2nd century AD, reflecting an ancient occupation of the site.

A first Romanesque church was attested as early as 1330 in a pontifical act of John XXII. The present tower, with its north turret, dates from the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Two bells were installed there in 1520 and 1531. The portal, in the Quercy style, is adorned with a bare stick, characteristic of local architecture.

The building was entirely rebuilt between 1888 and 1889 in a neo-Gothic style, coinciding with the beatification of Jean-Gabriel Perboyre, a child of the country. The stained glass windows, dating from 1889-1890, represent among others Our Lady of the Assumption, Saint Louis and Saint Genulphus, founder of the Christian community of Montgesty in 257. Several elements, such as a 17th century altarpiece or a 16th century Spanish Christ, come from the old church.

The church preserves the memory of Saint Jean-Gabriel Perboyre (1802-1840), born and baptized in Montgesty. An annual pilgrimage on 11 September and a statue pay tribute to him. The original baptismal fonts and classified objects, such as a painting by Saint Louis (1723), recall his spiritual and historical heritage.

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