Église Notre-Dame-de-la-Pitié

Have you ever wondered about the origins of a simple chapel? The story of Église Notre-Dame-de-la-Pitié takes us back to 1509. It all started with the villagers of Puteaux, who longed for a place of worship closer to their homes. The abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, with its generous heart, granted them permission to build a small chapel. In 1523, the Bishop of Paris, Monsieur François de Poncher, blessed the chapel, dedicating it to Notre-Dame-de-la-Pitié. The chapel, at first served by the parish of Suresnes, became a parish church of its own in 1717. But time wasn’t kind to the little church. By the middle of the 20th century, the chapel, in a sorry state of disrepair, was no longer fit for use. A new church, Sainte-Mathilde, was built, relegating Notre-Dame-de-la-Pitié to a state of neglect. However, a ray of hope emerged in 1975: The chapel was classified as a historical monument. It was a remarkable decision, as the remaining three windows dated back to a glorious era during the 16th century. These windows, depicting events in the life of Saint René, are considered a valuable testimony to the Renaissance in France. Following the restoration, Notre-Dame-de-la-Pitié was reopened to the public in 1985. Today, the once-forgotten chapel is known for its beautiful stained-glass windows and its serene atmosphere. It serves as a valuable reminder of the past and offers a space for reflection and prayer.