“Orphelins d’Auteuil” a name echoing through the halls of time. Here before us stands Relais Paroissial Sainte-Thérèse. It is a testament to faith and dedication. This chapel’s story intertwines with the lives of orphans and a determined priest.
In 1923 Father Daniel Brottier became responsible for the Orphelins d’Auteuil. The address was 40 rue Jean-de-La-Fontaine. He found the existing chapel insufficient and unattractive. Father Brottier wanted to construct a new chapel. He envisioned a spacious beautiful space for the orphans and the neighborhood. He chose to dedicate it to Thérèse de Lisieux. He believed she saved his life during World War I.
Funding was a major obstacle. The Orphelins d’Auteuil faced a precarious financial situation. Father Brottier launched a fundraising campaign. A generous benefactor provided the necessary funds to begin construction. The Carmel of Lisieux offered relics of Sainte-Thérèse.
The first mass was celebrated on December 25 1925. Father Daniel Brottier is buried here. A transept is dedicated to him.
Architects Henri Chailleux father and son designed the chapel. Their inspiration was the Sainte-Chapelle. The style is neo-Gothic. Sculptures on the capitals depict the activities of the Orphelins d’Auteuil.
About fifty stained-glass windows adorn the chapel. The company Mauméjean Frères created them in 1927. The windows flood the space with light.
Nine windows in the choir feature angels. They carry instruments of the Passion of Christ. Twelve bays in the nave reference the litanies of the Virgin.
Two large rose windows embellish the transept. One illustrates the canonization of Sainte-Thérèse. The other shows Cardinal Dubois’ agreement to create the chapel. The rose window on the facade evokes the “rain of roses”. Sainte-Thérèse promised this. She said “After my death I will let fall a shower of roses.” Four smaller bays depict lilies and roses.
Fourteen bays present saints as role models. These examples are for the orphans of Auteuil. Saints include Anthony of Padua Genevieve of Paris and Joan of Arc.
The Stations of the Cross are mosaics. Maison Mauméjean created them. Sculptor Sébastien Touret crafted the altar and ambo.
Since 2007 “Soirées T*” have been organized four times a year. These evenings are dedicated to prayer. They focus on Sainte-Thérèse. Each year before October 1 the “Semaine Thérésienne” takes place. October 1 is the Saint’s feast day.
Relais Paroissial Sainte-Thérèse is more than a building. It is a symbol of hope. It embodies the spirit of charity and faith. As you leave remember the story of Father Brottier and his orphans. Remember the “rain of roses” promised by Sainte-Thérèse.