Three angels stand guard. They welcome you to Église Saint-Marc. These aren’t just any angels. Sculpted by Jean-Pierre Augier they hold light a book and water. They guide you towards the church’s entrance.
Église Saint-Marc in Petit-Lancy is more than a church. It’s a symbol of renewal. It replaced an older building. That older building was demolished. A new building now stands in its place. The new Église Saint-Marc is located on the ground floor of a sixteen-story building. This modern setting makes it unique among Geneva’s churches.
Imagine the dedication ceremony. Three hundred and eighty people celebrated the opening. They filled the new space. Extra benches were needed. Mgr Pierre Farine led the ceremony. The consecration marked a turning point for the parish. It was a moment of joy. It was a moment of profound communion.
The interior is striking. Two stained-glass windows dominate the space. Gerard Collin-Thiébaut created them. The blues evoke serenity. The artist cleverly layers images stimulating the imagination. These vibrant blues complement the soft blue of the cross.
Local craftsmanship shines through. Pierre Mayenzet a carpenter created the altar the ambo and the tabernacle. The tabernacle features two doors. One is for the chalice and eucharistic elements. The other is for Adoration.
The dedication ceremony was deeply moving. The key to the building and the construction logbook were presented. They were presented to Mgr Pierre Farine. The ceremony involved blessings. It involved readings. It involved the anointing of the altar. The consecration was a sacred act.
After the service several people spoke. Stéphane Lorenzini from the architectural firm spoke. Marie Sirot representing the sculptor spoke. Gerard Collin-Thiébaut spoke about the stained glass. Pierre Mayenzet was also acknowledged for his work on the liturgical furnishings. The mayor of Onex and other dignitaries attended.
The old Église Saint-Marc served the community for many years. It was eventually deemed unusable. The current church offers a modern space. It offers seating for about fifty people. The flexible design can accommodate more people if needed.
The building’s unique location has benefits. The parish owns the building. This provides a welcome financial benefit. During the construction the parishioners were graciously hosted by other churches in the area. It was a testament to the strong interfaith bonds within the community.
Église Saint-Marc is much more than a place of worship. It’s a community hub. It offers a place for spiritual and human connection. It’s a symbol of faith. It’s a symbol of resilience. It’s a beautiful addition to the Geneva landscape.