Hidden among the Parisian streets stands the Relais Paroissial Sainte-Cécile a testament to faith and community. This unassuming building holds a rich history. It wasn’t always here.
The Relais Paroissial Sainte-Cécile wasn’t a sudden apparition. It’s story began in the 1970s. Father Jacques Destelle the parish priest had a vision. He wanted a parish center in the Bel Air district. The need was urgent. The Schnapper secondary school moved to Hauts-Grillets. A temporary structure from the 1960s near Rue Schnapper was insufficient. In 1978 a small apartment a simple F3 was rented at 1 Rue Schubert. This anchored the parish in Bel Air. It provided a space for meetings and a welcoming presence. To engage parishioners a walking rally followed by a picnic was organised in 1975.
The project to build a proper parish center advanced. A 1200 m² plot was leased. The lease was for 99 years. The Chantiers du Cardinal funded half the construction. An agreement was made with the Chantiers Diocésains de Versailles. The total cost for the parish was 35 000 Francs.
The design aimed for functionality and affordability. The plan included a chapel multi-purpose rooms and a three-room apartment. Architect M Nowak’s design was chosen. An extension planned for the right side was never built.
The result is a building shaped like a V. The chapel sits at the point of the V. Its design encourages prayer and celebration of the Eucharist.
Construction took place in 1981 and 1982. Bishop Louis Simonneaux of Versailles blessed the building on November 21 1982. It was named Sainte-Cécile. Franciscan sisters provided part-time presence until 1995. Mass was celebrated on Saturday evenings. The Hauts-Grillets college used it as a chaplaincy. Over time priests young women and nuns occupied the apartment. A new tabernacle was installed in 2002.
The Relais Paroissial Sainte-Cécile remains a vibrant hub. It serves the community. It’s a place of worship. It’s a quiet witness to decades of faith. It stands as a symbol of perseverance. A story etched in brick and stone. A sanctuary in the heart of Paris.