Chapelle Sainte-Claudine Thévenet

Did Claudine Thevenet ever imagine her life would lead to the creation of this serene sanctuary? Here, at the Chapelle Sainte-Claudine Thevenet in Lyon, we trace the footsteps of an extraordinary woman. The Chapelle Sainte-Claudine Thevenet stands as a testament to her unwavering faith and dedication to the most vulnerable. Claudine Thevenet, born in Lyon in 1774, witnessed firsthand the horrors of the French Revolution. She saw her two brothers executed during the siege of Lyon in 1794. Their final words, “Forgive, Glady, as we forgive,” resonated deeply within her, shaping the trajectory of her life. The Chapelle Sainte-Claudine Thevenet reflects this spirit of forgiveness and compassion. From the ashes of revolution, Claudine Thevenet dedicated herself to alleviating suffering, particularly among the children left destitute by the upheaval. The Chapelle Sainte-Claudine Thevenet is a tangible reminder of her mission. She recognized the profound ignorance of God amongst the people. She was driven by an immense desire to share His love. This desire, nurtured within the walls of the Chapelle Sainte-Claudine Thevenet, led her to focus on educating children and young people about Jesus and Mary. A pivotal moment in Claudine’s life occurred when Father Andre Coindre brought two abandoned children to her care. This encounter, so vividly imagined here at the Chapelle Sainte-Claudine Thevenet, solidified her dedication to caring for destitute children. In 1815, she established La Providence. This association evolved into the Congregation of the Religious of Jesus and Mary in 1818, a testament to her enduring legacy, celebrated within the Chapelle Sainte-Claudine Thevenet. Claudine Thevenet, later known as Mother Mary of Saint Ignatius, believed deeply in nurturing both the body and soul of the children entrusted to her care. She insisted that her sisters show no partiality. She encouraged them to love most deeply those who were most poor, miserable, and flawed. The Chapelle Sainte-Claudine Thevenet embodies this unconditional love and acceptance. Claudine Thevenet died in 1837, but her work continued to flourish. The strength of her foundation was evident when, just five years after her death, her daughters expanded their mission to India. They later established communities in Spain and Canada. The Chapelle Sainte-Claudine Thevenet stands as a beacon, reminding us of the enduring power of faith, forgiveness, and a life dedicated to serving others. It serves as a poignant reminder of a woman who, amidst the chaos of revolution, chose to embrace compassion and dedicate her life to making the world a better place, one child at a time.