Ever wonder how a church can rise from the ashes quite literally? Today we stand before the magnificent Église Saint-Vincent-de-Paul in Lyon. This is a testament to faith and resilience.
The Église Saint-Vincent-de-Paul has a story that stretches back to the 18th century. It all began with Augustinian monks. They established themselves in this area way back in 1319. They needed a new chapel. The old one was falling apart. Construction started in 1759. It was finally completed in 1789.
Originally, the church was named Église Saint-Louis. This honored Louis Le Dauphin. He helped fund its construction. The “Book of Accounts” tells the whole construction story. But the winds of revolution swept through Lyon. The Augustinians were expelled. The church was repurposed. It became a warehouse and even part of a hospital.
By 1791 the church became a parish. But it was too small. So, in 1861 architect Charles Franchet expanded the nave. He moved the facade to the quai Saint-Vincent. This created the facade we see today. The work wasn’t finished until 1882. In 1863 the church was renamed Église Notre-Dame-Saint-Vincent. This was to avoid confusion with another church.
Tragedy struck on December 12 1987. A fire ravaged the church. But Lyon was determined to restore this landmark. After major renovations, the Église Saint-Vincent-de-Paul reopened on November 29 1992. The new organ was installed in 1995.
Look closely at the facade. Sculptures of Saint Louis and Saint Vincent adorn the entrance. These statues, by Charles Dufraine, remind us of the church’s history. Inside, notice the basilica design. Eight Tuscan-style columns line the nave. A dome sits above the transept crossing. Light streams in from the windows above.
Take a moment to appreciate the sculptures inside the Église Saint-Vincent-de-Paul. Dufraine also created the Baptême du Christ and a Sacré-Cœur. The transepts display statues of Saint Vincent, Saint Louis, and a Vierge by Fabisch. Since 1996 the choir has been decorated with paintings by J.F. Hamelin. They depict biblical scenes.
The Église Saint-Vincent-de-Paul stands as a symbol of renewal. It reflects the enduring spirit of Lyon. From its origins as a monastery chapel to its modern-day restoration, this church has witnessed history. It has been reborn from ashes. It welcomes all who seek solace and inspiration.