“Do you see that imposing cross” I ask my audience. “That’s the crowning glory of the Chapelle Sainte-Thérèse et Notre-Dame du Sourire. A testament to faith and resilience.”
This remarkable chapel stands before us. It’s a poignant reminder of gratitude born from wartime hardship. Built in 1956 near the Chateau Les Biussonnets it was erected by Madame Georges Catoire. She wanted to express her thanks for surviving World War II.
The chapel’s neo-regionalist Flemish architecture is striking. Its cream-painted cement facade features a large pointed arch. Two small dormers peek from the steeply pitched roof. Brick tile and wrought iron details add to its unique charm. Four scrolled anchors draw the eye upwards toward the imposing cross. A small wrought iron bell tower adds another interesting element.
Inside the Chapelle Sainte-Thérèse et Notre-Dame du Sourire the atmosphere is quite simple. The brick walls are visible. The ceiling features wood paneling. A tiled floor provides a clean look. A large altar sits prominently. Two sconces hold devotional lamps.
The tabernacle door is a remarkable detail. It’s a repurposed piece showcasing the Lamb of God lying on the Book of Revelation. The statue of Our Lady of the Smile is a true treasure. This devotion is particularly associated with the Carmel of Lisieux. A plaster recumbent statue of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus lies beneath the altar.
In 2023 generous donations led to the addition of two statues. A Saint Francis of Assisi and a statue called Eucharist. They were created by artist Fernand Py.
The Chapelle Sainte-Thérèse et Notre-Dame du Sourire is more than a building. It’s a living embodiment of faith hope and enduring gratitude. It silently speaks of a woman’s devotion and the power of prayer. It’s a place of peace. A place to reflect on the past and look forward to the future.