A thousand square meters of serenity. That’s the Église de la Sainte-Trinité. Nestled in Lyon’s 8th arrondissement this church stands as a testament to faith and community. Built in 1961 its square shape mirrors the New Jerusalem described in the Book of Revelation. Architect Pierre Genton designed it fulfilling the vision of Abbé Robert Largier.
The Église de la Sainte-Trinité wasn’t just built. It was a labor of love. Abbé Largier initially built a smaller chapel in 1958. This was to serve the burgeoning population of this newly developed neighborhood. The larger church soon followed. Its construction relied entirely on the donations of parishioners. This reflects the post-1905 law separating church and state. The financial burden of building new churches fell solely on the community.
Inside the Église de la Sainte-Trinité is a remarkable treasure. A statue of the Virgin and Child sculpted by Joseph-Hugues Fabisch. It’s a fascinating story. This statue originally stood in a niche of a Lyon street. When the street was renovated the statue was saved. Then Lyon’s mayor Louis Pradel generously donated it to Abbé Largier. This statue stands as a silent witness to the church’s history and the community’s devotion.
The church has undergone several renovations. Father Tadeusz Śmiech initiated many improvements in 2003. This included interior and exterior work thanks to generous parishioners. Father Łukasz Skawiński continued this work. He completed the renovations in 2017. Cardinal Philippe Barbarin even came to bless the church afterward.
Look closely at the Église de la Sainte-Trinité. You’ll notice a unique lanterneau shaped like a Greek cross. A diamond-shaped stained-glass window sits above the choir. These details add to the church’s distinctive charm. The organ from 1889 by Jacquot-Jean Pierre & Cie adds another layer. It was moved to the church in 1975 and is in need of restoration.
The Église de la Sainte-Trinité isn’t just a building. It’s a living community center. Since 2003 it has also been home to the Polish Catholic Mission. Yet services continue for French parishioners as well. It’s a place of worship a place of history and a place of community. A beautiful example of faith in action right here in the heart of Lyon.