How often does one stumble upon a chapel nestled on the ground floor of a public housing building? That’s precisely where we find the Chapelle Saint-Martin de Porrès.
This unassuming location at 41 rue Jacques Ibert holds a unique story. It stands near Espace Champerret and close to the town of Levallois-Perret. Cardinal Jean-Marie Lustiger, Archbishop of Paris from 1981 to 2005, wanted a church presence in this developing area. The Chantiers du Cardinal helped make his vision a reality.
Mgr Guy Thomazeau dedicated the Chapelle Saint-Martin de Porrès on November 21, 1987. He was the Vicar General of the Diocese of Paris. Père Arnold Smit, the pastor of Sainte-Odile, and Père Gauthier, the first chaplain, assisted him.
The Chapelle Saint-Martin de Porrès is dedicated to Saint Martin de Porrès. He lived from 1579 to 1639. Born in Lima, Peru, he was canonized by Pope John XXIII. You can reach the Chapelle Saint-Martin de Porrès via Line 3 of the Paris Métro. The closest station is Louise Michel.
The building has a triangular design. It features a Chemin de Croix created by Carolyne Morel. She was a seamstress and costume designer. The chapel’s simple design reflects the style of the 1980s. This style was popular in the Catholic Church at the time.
Saint Martin de Porrès was the son of a Spanish nobleman and a freed black slave. He trained as a barber-surgeon. He joined the Dominicans and performed humble tasks. These included cleaning, sweeping, and caring for the sick. He showed great piety and humility. Many miraculous healings were attributed to him during and after his life. He also cared for animals. He is often depicted with a broom and animals eating from the same bowl.
Carolyne Morel spent her life in the world of fashion. She started with Christian Dior. Later, she had her own haute couture atelier. After 1961, she specialized in costumes for theater, film, television, and historical reenactments. In 1988, she founded the association “Comm’ d’époque, mémoire du costume”. Her goal was to pass on her passion and costume-making skills. She created exhibitions and her own costume museum in Moncontour.
Morel’s Chemin de Croix is made of painted and cut canvas. This canvas is typically used for theater sets. The costumes in the paintings accurately reflect historical knowledge of Jesus’ time. The Chemin de Croix belongs to Père Jacques Benoit. It is not intended for permanent display.
Père Xavier Ley is the current chaplain. He is available to visit you. He can administer the sacraments of confession, anointing of the sick, and Eucharist. You can also make an appointment to meet him at the Chapelle Saint-Martin de Porrès.
So, as you stand before this modest yet significant chapel, remember its story. It’s a story of faith, community, and the enduring legacy of Saint Martin de Porrès. It is a testament to the Church’s presence in the heart of everyday life.