Think of Antoine Chevrier serving the poorest people. That’s what Rue du Père Chevrier is all about. This street in Lyon carries the name of a remarkable French priest. Antoine Chevrier dedicated his life to helping the less fortunate.
Rue du Père Chevrier begins on Rue Sébastien Gryphe. It runs eastward. The street ends at Rue Domer. Cars travel east on this road.
Let’s talk about the architecture along Rue du Père Chevrier. On the north side, you’ll see the Chapelle du Prado. Its long building has a central pediment topped with a cross. A building with fossil stones sits at the corner of Rue d’Anvers. The south side features a building with an original corner tower. Further down the street, look for number 26. It stands out with its columns and green doors. After Rue Saint Jérôme, a large block runs across the street toward Avenue Jean Jaurès.
Antoine Chevrier was born in Lyon on April 16 1826. He founded the Prado institution in 1860. It was located in a former dance hall. The Prado aimed to help the unfortunate and educate children. Chevrier previously served as a vicar. He worked at Saint André and Cité Rambaud.
Chevrier cared for people’s souls. He performed exorcisms. He even recovered documents where people sold their souls to the devil. These included a paper signed in blood and a pigskin.
Rue du Père Chevrier was originally called Rue Dumoulin. Antoine Chevrier was temporarily honored by the current Rue Remillieux.
Archaeological digs found ceramics dating back to 2500 BC. The Prado was built in 1837 as a dance hall. It closed after a soldier’s murder. Father Chevrier obtained it in 1861. The hall was restored in 1986. The original pillars were kept.
The street opened in the late 19th century. It was extended in the 1930s. Half of the current buildings date back to 2000.
Pope John Paul II visited the Prado center on October 5 1986. Several associations related to the Prado occupy the street. These include a chapel and a priests’ association. The church Gabriel Rosset opened in 1950 to house the homeless. The Greek Orthodox Church is located at number 45.
Today the Association of Priests of the Prado is in over forty countries. The Prado family includes priests sisters lay people and deacons.
Antoine Chevrier presented his vision in a book. It is titled “The True Disciple of Our Lord Jesus Christ”. He wrote inscriptions on a small house’s walls. This is called the Tableau de Saint-Fons.
Jean-Paul II beatified Antoine Chevrier in Lyon. A crowd of 350000 people attended. Antoine Chevrier died at 53. He was buried in his chapel. It is on Rue du Père Chevrier. The Association of Priests of the Prado is at number 13. You can attend masses at the Chapelle du Prado. The entrance is at 9 Rue du Père Chevrier.
So as you walk along Rue du Père Chevrier remember the priest. Think of his dedication to Lyon’s neediest residents.