Did you know that the \u00c9glise Saint-Fran\u00e7ois d’Assise in Paris commemorates the seven hundredth anniversary of the creation of the Third Order of Saint Francis? This beautiful church stands as a testament to faith and architectural ingenuity. It is located on Rue de Mouza\u00efa in the 19th arrondissement.
Let’s delve into the story of this unique sanctuary. The \u00c9glise Saint-Fran\u00e7ois d’Assise replaced a chapel dedicated to Notre-Dame-du-Sacr\u00e9-C\u0153ur. The neighborhood’s growing population prompted the diocese to purchase land for a new church. Construction began in 1914. The work was interrupted by the war and resumed in 1919.
Architects Paul and Auguste Courcoux designed the \u00c9glise Saint-Fran\u00e7ois d’Assise. Auguste took over after his brother Paul’s death in 1921. The church was completed in 1926. In 2004, Wandrille Thieulin redecorated the chancel.
The brick exterior of \u00c9glise Saint-Fran\u00e7ois d’Assise reflects simplicity. This contrasts sharply with the rich interior. Byzantine, Roman, and Art Deco influences blend harmoniously within the church. The church’s design follows the pattern of churches in Umbria. Umbria is the birthplace of Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Clare.
Inside \u00c9glise Saint-Fran\u00e7ois d’Assise, the concrete framework imitates wood. A mosaic decorates the apse. Maum\u00e9jean created the mosaic in 1930. Charles Bouleau, a painter and mosaicist, designed it. Saint Francis is shown receiving the stigmata in the mosaic. Dame Pauvret\u00e9 stands at the foot of the crucifix. Saint Louis and Saint Elisabeth of Hungary appear on the left. Saint Bonaventure and Saint Claire are on the right. Mary and Saint John stand close to the crucified Jesus.
Frescoes by Charles Bouleau adorn the chancel arch of \u00c9glise Saint-Fran\u00e7ois d’Assise. Christ presents Saint Francis for veneration surrounded by the symbols of the four evangelists. Angels hold inscriptions of Humility, Chastity, Poverty, and Charity. These represent the founding virtues of the Franciscan order.
The old altar is decorated with Byzantine-inspired mosaics. Peacocks in bas-relief symbolize resurrection. Florent Boissonnet created the ambo and altar in fused glass in 2004.
Stained glass windows near the chancel depict the Trinity. Others depict the Canticle of the Creatures. In 2012, stained glass from the former Molitor chapel was added. Two groups of adoring angels surround the Trinity. Saint Anthony of Padua and Saint Colette flank Saint Francis. Disciples of Saint Francis are also represented.
An icon of the Mother of God with Child in Prayer is on the north side. It was a gift from the Saint-Serge Institute in 1976. Catherine Gaboriau created the icon on the south side. It is inspired by a fresco from the Italian sanctuary of Subiaco. A sculpture of Saint Francis and the Wolf of Gubbio is nearby. Michel Coste sculpted it in 1991.
Above the narthex, the organ’s case reflects the colors of the frescoes. Bernard Cogez built the organ in 2008. Its design evokes Baroque organs. In the old baptistery, a creation by the Duchemin workshops shows a dove. This dove symbolizes the Holy Spirit.
Eddy Mitchell made his first communion at \u00c9glise Saint-Fran\u00e7ois d’Assise. This church stands as a clear and simple messenger of Saint Francis of Assisi. It delivers his message to our time.