Ready to uncover a tale of faith, resilience, and community spirit? The story of Chapelle Thérèse de Lisieux in Lille is quite special.
This chapel began its life around 1879 or 1880. Back then, it was known as Notre-Dame du Sacré-Cœur. It sat at the edge of Rue Hoche in a place called “La Goulette”. The Paquet-Spriet family owned this land and built the chapel there.
But the Chapelle Thérèse de Lisieux faced hard times. By 1926, it was almost falling apart. The direct tax service marked it for demolition. The Paquet-Spriet family seemed to have abandoned it. Its original name risked being forgotten.
Then, in 1929, Father Alfred Salembier stepped in. He described the chapel as a “monument dilapidated for more than twenty years”. He launched a fundraising appeal to restore it. He renamed it after Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus who had just been canonized in 1925.
Father Salembier promised his parishioners that “the little French Saint will send down a rain of roses on this district and on the parish”.
Mr. Gruson, an architect, drew up plans for the repairs. The cost was estimated at 4,000 francs. Within a year, they raised 4,183 francs. The locals, mostly “honest workers”, gave generously. Wealthier residents also made significant contributions to the Chapelle Thérèse de Lisieux.
A young couple donated a statue of Saint Thérèse. They were grateful to her. The repairs moved quickly. Workers restored the pediment, roof, and paving. A new glass door was installed. The statue of Saint Thérèse was placed on a solid oak pedestal. The pedestal came from Slavonia.
Before decorating the interior, they had to deal with damp walls. A zinc lining was placed to separate the walls. Jules Delbasse, a local painter, decorated the lining behind the statue. He painted a “rain of roses”.
The Chapelle Thérèse de Lisieux was officially blessed on June 21, 1931. Monsignor Virleux, canon of the Saint-Maurice church in Lille, presided over the ceremony. A procession carried the statue of Saint Thérèse through the decorated streets. Around 700 to 800 people attended. A month later, the Diocesan Association of Lille became the chapel’s owner.
The Chapelle Thérèse de Lisieux was nearly lost again in 1977. Development work threatened it. Luckily, the construction of the Camille Guérin Social Medical Center saved it. The columns and cement cross disappeared. The gable was modified. Workers cleaned it and restored its red brick color.
Around 1970, buildings on one side of Rue Faidherbe were demolished. A large parking lot was built. New buildings went up along Rue Rembrandt. Again, the chapel escaped destruction.
In 2019, the Saint-Pierre parish entrusted the chapel’s key to Chapelles&Co. Véronique Kuta, the association’s treasurer, became the “godmother” of the oratory.
In 2020, the Reconciliation Parish in Lille donated a statue of Saint Thérèse. This helped revive the chapel’s original dedication. A statue of Notre-Dame de Lourdes was moved to another chapel.
In early 2022, the Chapelle Thérèse de Lisieux was renovated. The interior walls were repainted in pink. Workers scraped the ceiling to reveal an old inscription. It read “I will spend my heaven doing good on Earth”. The exterior door and base were also repainted. An iron cross and a sign were added. The sign read “Saint Thérèse de Lisieux, pray for us”.
On May 21, 2022, a celebration was held. Members of Chapelles&Co, Father Ivan Pagniez, and many residents attended.
In 2023, statues of Saint Peter and Saint Joseph were added to the altar. These were signed by the artist Fernand Py.
Throughout its long history, the Chapelle Thérèse de Lisieux has faced many challenges. It has survived wars and urban development. Fortunately, its two lime trees have always stood guard.
Interestingly, in 1898, a survey of parishes didn’t consider it remarkable. Yet, the land deed stipulated that the chapel must always be used for worship. The Chapelle Thérèse de Lisieux stands as a testament to faith and community.