Couvent Saint-Lazare

Whispers of resilience echo within the Couvent Saint-Lazare. Here, nestled in Marseille’s 6th arrondissement on Rue Edmond Rostand, stands a testament to faith and courage. The Couvent Saint-Lazare isn’t just a beautiful structure. It’s a story etched in stone, a narrative woven through time. Built between 1867 and 1899 by architect Pierre Bossan, the Couvent Saint-Lazare exudes a neo-classical style. Its church and crypt, recognized for their historical significance, were inscribed as Monuments Historiques in 1995. But the story of Couvent Saint-Lazare begins long before this structure. Dominican friars first arrived in Marseille around 1225, establishing themselves near the route to Italy. Their first home was a pilgrim’s hospital, known as Saint-Michel des Ytiers. By 1300, their presence had grown significantly, even hosting a general chapter of the Dominican order. Then, in 1524, during the siege by Charles de Bourbon, buildings outside Marseille’s walls were razed. The Dominicans had to relocate within the city. Their new church, dedicated to the Annunciation, served them until 1794. The French Revolution brought about its closure, and the church eventually became the Parish of Saint-Cannat. The Dominicans returned to Marseille in 1862. The current Couvent Saint-Lazare, with its church dedicated to the Rosary, rose between 1868 and 1880, thanks in part to the generosity of Anne Rosine Noilly-Prat. Expulsions followed in 1880 and 1903. But even during the darkest hours of World War II, the Couvent Saint-Lazare shone a light of hope. Between 1940 and 1942, it served as a refuge for persecuted Jews. The Dominican friars, connected to a Catholic group distributing the clandestine publication “La Voix du Vatican,” actively resisted the Nazi regime. Couvent Saint-Lazare’s halls even witnessed a pivotal meeting in 1941, where Father Joseph-Marie Perrin introduced Marie-Louise David, a key figure in the resistance, to the philosopher Simone Weil. This meeting spurred Weil’s involvement in the resistance until her departure in 1942. Couvent Saint-Lazare is more than just stones and mortar. It’s a beacon of resilience, a testament to the enduring power of faith, and a symbol of hope in the face of adversity.