Église Saint-Ferdinand

Gazing upon Église Saint-Ferdinand-des-Ternes, can you sense the echoes of its past? This grand church, nestled in the 17th arrondissement of Paris, holds a story as layered as its neo-Romanesque and neo-Byzantine architecture. Église Saint-Ferdinand-des-Ternes stands on the site of a former church, deemed too small for the burgeoning Parisian population. The original structure, built between 1842 and 1847, was named in memory of Prince Ferdinand-Philippe d’Orléans. His untimely death near Porte Maillot, and the fact that his patron saint was Saint Ferdinand III of Castile, led to the church’s dedication. This earlier church, however, soon proved insufficient. In 1937, construction began on the present Église Saint-Ferdinand-des-Ternes. Architects Paul Théodon, Pierre Durand, and Frédéric Bertrand envisioned a magnificent edifice. World War II interrupted their work. The church was finally completed in 1957, a testament to perseverance and faith. The lower church, or crypt, dedicated to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, was consecrated earlier, in 1941. In 1990, the church’s sanctuary was beautifully redesigned by Madeleine Diener. Her modern touch complements the older elements, showcasing the evolving nature of Église Saint-Ferdinand-des-Ternes. Notice the façade’s striking sculptures by Georges Muguet. They depict Saint Ferdinand, Christ, and Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. Above, the bell tower houses three bells: Désirée, Fernande, and Rosalie. These bells, consecrated in 1847, have resonated through the history of Église Saint-Ferdinand-des-Ternes. Inside, the artistic treasures continue. Pierre Dionisi’s work adorns the apse, depicting scenes of the Last Supper, the Trinity, Purgatory, and the Church. The left transept features a bronze Christ on the Cross by Auguste Préault and a naive-style mural by Pauline Peugniez. The right transept holds a mural by Roger and Hélène Bezombes. In 2017, a statue of Saint Teresa of Calcutta by Jean-Marc de Pas was added, further enriching the church’s artistic heritage. The music of Église Saint-Ferdinand-des-Ternes has also evolved. An 1898 Cavaillé-Coll organ was electrified in 1963, then replaced in 1995 by a new organ crafted by Pascal Quoirin. This grand instrument, with its mechanical transmissions and 34 stops, continues to fill the church with inspiring melodies. Église Saint-Ferdinand-des-Ternes is more than just a building. It’s a living testament to faith, art, and history, echoing the stories of Paris and its people.