Welcome to the Chapelle des Fonts baptismaux, a hidden gem nestled within the grand Église Saint-Germain-l’Auxerrois. As you stand before this chapel, you may be surprised to learn that it wasn’t always dedicated to baptism. It was once known as the Chapelle Saint-Michel-Archange, a fitting name for a chapel guarding the entrance of the church. For in the Christian faith, baptism marks the entrance of a new believer into the church, a journey symbolized by the position of this chapel close to the main entrance.
The Chapelle des Fonts baptismaux boasts beautiful oak woodwork designed by Jean-Baptiste Lassus in 1840, a style replicated in most of the church’s other chapels. The chapel’s stained-glass window depicts the baptism of Christ by Saint John the Baptist in the River Jordan. It is a testament to the enduring story of faith and rebirth. Above the window, a small medallion shows a representation of God the Father. Just below it, half-hidden, the Holy Spirit appears as a dove, underscoring the holy nature of baptism.
The chapel’s most charming element is its wooden vaulted ceiling, a reminder of the Renaissance architectural style that blossomed throughout Europe during the 16th century. This chapel beautifully illustrates how the Church of Saint-Germain-l’Auxerrois successfully incorporated different architectural styles over the centuries while retaining its timeless beauty. The Chapelle des Fonts baptismaux reminds us that baptism is not just a ritual but a profound journey of faith and a symbol of our entry into the grace and light of Christ.