Imagine stepping back to 1874. The doors of \u00c9glise Saint-Fran\u00e7ois-Xavier open for its first worship service. But the interior decoration is not yet complete. Still, a new chapter begins for this Catholic parish in Paris.
\u00c9glise Saint-Fran\u00e7ois-Xavier stands in the 7th arrondissement. This church is more than just a building. It is a testament to faith history and art. Its location on Place du Pr\u00e9sident-Mithouard makes it a notable landmark.
The story of \u00c9glise Saint-Fran\u00e7ois-Xavier starts well before its construction. The parish of Saint-Fran\u00e7ois-Xavier-des-Missions-\u00c9trang\u00e8res had been around since 1842. Before this grand structure, the congregation gathered at the Chapel of the Epiphany. This chapel was part of the Foreign Missions of Paris.
Under the Second Empire, a decision was made. A new church would be built in the Invalides district. Construction started in 1861. It was finally completed in 1873. Well, almost. The interior still needed work. The church was consecrated in 1894. It was dedicated to St. Francis Xavier. He is the patron saint of missions.
The architecture of \u00c9glise Saint-Fran\u00e7ois-Xavier is impressive. Its facade draws inspiration from the Italian Renaissance. The metal frame allows the vault to rest directly on the side walls. This design choice eliminated the need for aisles or tipping arcs. Inside, the nave is in the Classical style. Lateral chapels, a transept and a deep apse complete the plan. A statue of the Virgin graces the axial Chapel. Above the main gate, a rosette framed with niches holds statues. The triangular pediment depicts Saint Francis Xavier baptizing people in India and Japan.
Inside \u00c9glise Saint-Fran\u00e7ois-Xavier, art abounds. “The Last Supper” by Tintoretto captures a dramatic moment. Christ reveals that one of his apostles will betray him. “The Crucifixion of Saint Peter” by Luca Giordano is another masterpiece. The nave features fluted columns. These columns are adorned with Corinthian capitals and cherubs. Decorative paintings by Alexandre Denuelle enhance the cradle vault.
The stained glass windows of \u00c9glise Saint-Fran\u00e7ois-Xavier tell their own stories. Two windows from 1959 depict Saint Vincent de Paul and Saint Teresa of the Child Jesus. The transept rosettes display liturgical symbols.
A significant event occurred in 2009. The shrine of Sainte Madeleine-Sophie Barat was moved to \u00c9glise Saint-Fran\u00e7ois-Xavier. She founded the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The shrine now resides in the Chapel of the Sacred Heart.
The choir of \u00c9glise Saint-Fran\u00e7ois-Xavier is one of the most beautiful in Paris. Above the altar, Moses and Aaron stand in the spandrels. Saint Francis Xavier presents converted peoples to Jesus Christ.
The organs of \u00c9glise Saint-Fran\u00e7ois-Xavier have a rich history. Built in 1878, they were revised several times. A complete restoration took place in 1993. The restored organs were inaugurated in 1996.
Today, \u00c9glise Saint-Fran\u00e7ois-Xavier remains a vibrant place of worship. It is served by the Saint-Fran\u00e7ois-Xavier metro station. It is also accessible by bus. This beautiful church continues to inspire all who enter. Its blend of art history and faith creates a lasting impression.