Le Berceau de Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, a place of pilgrimage and a French heritage landmark

A historic landmark, Le Berceau de Saint Vincent de Paul, located 5 km from Dax in the Landes region of France, attracts up to 24,000 visitors and pilgrims a year. 

Children, young people, families, the elderly, in groups or individually, come not only from France but also from all over the world (Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, Taiwan, USA, Korea...).

Some come here to be nourished by the values of Saint Vincent, but most arrive in groups at random.

At Le Berceau, you can visit "Ranquines", Saint Vincent's birthplace, and the chapel with its curious neo-Byzantine cupola. Not far away stands an 800-year-old oak tree, witness to Saint Vincent's childhood as a herdsman.

Founded in 1850 at this birthplace, the Oeuvre du Berceau is a non-profit foundation whose aim is "to honor the memory of this benefactor of humanity, this Apostle of Christian charity known throughout the world, by carrying out, in the place where he was born, actions inspired by his message and intended to perpetuate his memory." (Article 1 of the Bylaws)

It comprises :   

- a reception area, a guest house and a halfway house 

- a retirement home 

- a school complex (kindergarten to vocational high school with boarding facilities) and a training center 

- two communities of Lazarists and Daughters of Charity.

Present since the creation of the Fondation de l'œuvre du Berceau, the Daughters of Charity (1 Polish sister, 1 Spanish sister and 2 French sisters since 2021) welcome pilgrims, visit the elderly in the Ehpad, provide school pastoral care and parish animation, work with the residents of the Maison Relais, and accompany people in difficulty...

Project: fitting out a kitchen to accommodate groups of pilgrims 

"Following several requests, and especially for a group that will be hosted this summer, we would like to fit out a "family" kitchen. This group is made up of 80 children and young people who cannot benefit from catering services because the cost is too high for families.

The cost of catering is often an obstacle to the arrival of people with limited resources. 

The installation of this collective kitchen will enable them to manage their meals independently, and we will also be able to offer it to other groups of pilgrims in the future". Sr Claire

But the resources of the Fondation de l'œuvre du Berceau are too limited. They will barely cover the purchase of the stove, oven, large fridge and freezer, worktops, sink, furniture, kettle, coffee maker and microwave...

Before you can equip your new family kitchen, you'll need to carry out some essential and costly work.

"With the support of Rosalie Projects, we'll be able to finance the electrical installation and fittings needed to ensure safety and compliance with standards. A fresh coat of paint would also be necessary, as the spaces have remained unfinished and unoccupied for a long time." Sr Claire

Thank you so much for your support.

With them, thanks to you!