Chapelle Sainte-Thérèse-de-l’Enfant-Jésus

The year is 1923. Picture yourself standing amidst the post-war struggles of a recovering France. The Orphelins Apprentis d’Auteuil, a home for orphans, is on the brink of collapse. A new director, Father Daniel Brottier, arrives with a reputation for boundless energy and unwavering faith. His first decision? To build a chapel dedicated to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux at the foundation’s headquarters. This decision, made amidst financial ruin, raises eyebrows. Father Brottier, however, believes in the power of faith and action. He initiates the construction of the Chapelle Sainte-Thérèse-de-l’Enfant-Jésus, a testament to his devotion to the newly beatified saint. He credits his survival during World War I to Saint Thérèse’s intercession. This conviction fuels his determination. Funds are scarce, but Father Brottier launches a subscription campaign. Miraculously, a generous benefactor provides the exact amount needed to begin construction. The Chapelle Sainte-Thérèse-de-l’Enfant-Jésus, completed in 1925, becomes a beacon of hope, a symbol of resilience and faith in the heart of Paris. The chapel’s neo-Gothic architecture, illuminated by the ethereal glow of countless stained-glass windows, stands as a tribute to Father Brottier’s vision and Saint Thérèse’s enduring legacy.