Picture this a humble chapel standing in Mazargues a district of Marseille. This is the origin of the Église Saint Roch a place steeped in history.
The Église Saint Roch initially a small chapel was established to ward off the devastating plague of 1387. The plague lasted for three years. Saint Roch the patron saint of plague victims became the natural choice for its dedication. Can you imagine the fear and desperation that led to its construction?
Later in 1616 the church then a branch of the now-vanished Saint-Martin church was given to the Trinitarians. They were replaced in 1644 by Carmelite friars. The friars served the community until the French Revolution. The revolution dramatically altered the church’s destiny.
In 1803 the church reopened. Archbishop Jérôme Champion de Cicé then Bishop of Marseille elevated the Église Saint Roch to parish status. Fast forward to 1836. The growing population of Mazargues necessitated a new church. This time the renowned architect Pascal Coste designed the Église Saint Roch we see today. His collaborator Auguste Martin refined the design. Construction concluded in 1851. Bishop Eugène de Mazenod consecrated the new edifice. He chose the name Notre Dame du Mont Carmel as well as the patronage of Saint Roch.
Inside the Église Saint Roch you find treasures. A contemporary sculpture by André Gence adorns the choir. A remarkable fresco depicting the death of Saint Joseph graces one of the side chapels. It showcases Saint Joseph supported by Christ and the Virgin Mary. Angels guide his soul to heaven. Three statues stand in the same chapel. They depict Saint Anthony of Padua Saint Thérèse of Lisieux and Saint Roch. Saint Roch’s statue is traditional showing a plague bubo on his thigh. He’s dressed in pilgrim’s attire with a scallop shell on his cloak. The pilgrim’s staff is in hand accompanied by his loyal dog.
The left aisle holds a masterpiece. Michel Serre’s (1658-1733) painting of the apotheosis of Saint Roch is a sight to behold. This valuable painting underwent restoration from 2004 to 2008. The restoration was done at the Centre Interrégional de Conservation et de Restauration du Patrimoine. The Église Saint Roch a testament to faith resilience and artistic excellence stands as a beacon in the heart of Mazargues. It is a place of worship and a living museum of Marseille’s rich history. This is the Église Saint Roch a landmark of prayer and remembrance.