“Que le Seigneur nous donne la Paix!” These words encapsulate the spirit of the Chapelle des Franciscaines. This chapel is a sanctuary of peace in Paris. We stand before a building steeped in history and devotion.
The Chapelle des Franciscaines is part of the Couvent Saint-François. The Franciscan Friars Minor returned to France after World War I. They had been expelled following the 1905 law separating church and state. The friars first settled on Rue des Fourneaux. Later, they moved to Rue Beaunier in the 14th arrondissement.
In 1923, they acquired land in Petit-Montrouge. It lay between Rue Sarrette, Rue Marie-Rose, and Rue de la Voie-Verte. By 1933, they decided to build their provincial convent here. It would serve as the headquarters for the Province of Paris.
Architects Victor Blavette, Paul Gélis, and Louis-Jean Hulot designed the convent. Construction took place between 1934 and 1935. They drew inspiration from Dom Bellot, a Benedictine architect. Bellot inspired a revival of religious art. The Chapelle des Franciscaines was inaugurated in 1936. It housed a community of religious men. They dedicated themselves to ministry in France and foreign missions. They also welcomed foreign religious scholars residing in Paris.
The Couvent Saint-François played a role during the German occupation. Father Corentin Cloarec, chaplain to the resistance fighters, was murdered here by the Gestapo. A nearby street was named Rue du Père-Corentin in 1945 in his honor.
The Chapelle des Franciscaines features beautiful stained glass windows. André Pierre and Pierre Villette created the choir and side chapel windows between 1936 and 1947. Claude Malespine designed the fourteen windows in the nave and four in the choir.
Since October 22, 2007, the convent has been partially listed as a historical monument. This includes the Chapelle des Franciscaines. Also included are its interior decorations, the staircase, vestibule, and cloister.
Today, the Chapelle des Franciscaines remains a vibrant center for faith and community. It hosts masses, prayer services, and cultural events. Concerts often fill the chapel with music. The Chapelle des Franciscaines also offers courses and conferences. It embodies the Franciscan values of fraternity, joy, peace, poverty, and prayer. The porter’s lodge welcomes visitors. The Chapelle des Franciscaines is open to all seeking a moment of reflection.
Take a moment to appreciate the serenity of this space. Consider the generations of Franciscans who have walked these halls. They have dedicated their lives to serving others. The Chapelle des Franciscaines stands as a testament to their enduring legacy.