The whispers of history echo here. Right before you stands the Église du Christ-Roi. A majestic basilica once stood in this very spot. It’s a story of faith and perseverance. A testament to the unwavering devotion of one woman.
In 1926 a young woman named Marie Danzé arrived at a convent. She was only 20 years old. She became Sister Olive then Sister Marie du Christ-Roi. She received a divine vision. Jesus commanded her to build a temple. A throne to His glory. It would be a sanctuary dedicated to Christ the King.
Sister Marie du Christ-Roi embarked on a remarkable journey. She tirelessly sought donations from around the world. She received support from 33 countries. Ireland proved a particularly generous contributor. The Irish people’s generosity was largely thanks to several individuals. These included Mother Gabriel Mary a Mother General of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Cluny in Dublin. Father Lena her spiritual director had many connections in Ireland. Father Mc Quaid whose mother house was nearby predicted her success. Even Eamon de Valera President of the Republic of Ireland corresponded with her. Legend tells of a miraculous cure he received through her intercession.
Construction began in 1935 under architect Jules-Godefroy Astruc. After his death Robert Lebout continued the work. The basilica’s foundations were extensive. Eighty-seven wells were dug 33 meters deep. The Romanesque-style building spanned 40 meters. Its large dome resembled a tiara. Atop stood a towering cross. A 23-meter-high bell tower stood near the entrance on Rue Tournefort. In 1939 three bells were blessed. One was named Marie-Irlande and sponsored by Eamon de Valera. Another was named Marie-France and sponsored by Paul Claudel. The last bell was named Marie-Stanislas Marie-Agnès Marie du Christ-Roi and sponsored by the mayor of the 5th arrondissement.
The first mass was celebrated in 1940. The altar was blessed in 1941. The basilica was consecrated in 1956. Cardinal Feltin declared Paris would have two peaks of piety to the Divine Master. Montmartre with its perpetual adoration of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Montagne Sainte-Geneviève with its perpetual adoration to Christ the King.
Sadly the Église du Christ-Roi’s glory was short-lived. After the Benedictine nuns left in 1975 the site was sold. The basilica was demolished beginning in February 1977. However the story of the Église du Christ-Roi and Sister Marie du Christ-Roi’s unwavering faith remains. It is a poignant reminder of the power of devotion and the ephemeral nature of even the grandest structures.