Does the name \u00c9glise Saint-Jean-Ap\u00f4tre de Lyon ring a bell. This church stands as a testament to faith and community in Lyon. Let’s uncover its story.
\u00c9glise Saint-Jean-Ap\u00f4tre is more than just a building. It is a place with a rich history. Located in the 8th arrondissement at 29 rue Berty Albrecht, the \u00c9glise Saint-Jean-Ap\u00f4tre serves as a beacon for the local community.
The Maronite community worships here. The Maronite rite has its roots in the Syrian tradition, primarily found in Lebanon. This community has been linked with the Church of Rome since the 12th century.
Cardinal Gerlier played a role in the church’s establishment. He decreed the creation of a new parish under the name of Saint-Jean on November 12, 1960. Abb\u00e9 Joseph Jacquemond was appointed as the founding abb\u00e9. He also was the master builder overseeing the project.
Alain Chomel designed the \u00c9glise Saint-Jean-Ap\u00f4tre in 1962. He was assisted by architect Henri Beaup\u00e8re and concrete engineer Pierre Delescluse.
The history of \u00c9glise Saint-Jean-Ap\u00f4tre is intertwined with the local community. The church provides a place for worship and community gatherings. It also provides a place for cultural expression.
In January 1957, Cardinal Gerlier proposed a land exchange to Edouard Herriot. The city received parcels for a youth center. In exchange, the diocese acquired land to build the new parish church \u00c9glise Saint-Jean-Ap\u00f4tre.
The parish of Saint-Jean was officially established in November 1960. Abb\u00e9 Joseph Jacquemond became its first leader.
Construction began in March 1961 led by Gueffier from La Construction Lyonnaise. Alain Chomel and Henri Beaup\u00e8re oversaw the architectural aspects. Besides the church the project also included twelve catechism rooms and a presbytery. By spring 1962 the construction was complete and the church was named Saint-Jean Ap\u00f4tre.
In January 1975, parish boundaries were adjusted to include new buildings. In the 2000s the Archdiocese of Lyon started closing churches.
In June 2003 the archdiocese signed an agreement with the Maronite Christians of Lyon. They took over Saint-Jean Ap\u00f4tre. In return, they paid a symbolic annual rent of 1000 euros. The church then was renamed Notre-Dame du Liban.
The \u00c9glise Saint-Jean-Ap\u00f4tre’s story reflects Lyon’s religious history and its evolving communities. Today \u00c9glise Saint-Jean-Ap\u00f4tre continues to serve as a spiritual home for the Maronite community. It also stands as a reminder of Lyon’s diverse cultural tapestry.