These are wonderful monuments of my belle France. Whether believer or not these tell the history and architecture of France that are a must to see while here, Indeed they are very popular by locals and tourists alike, I walked by this church as are many glad to found me new pictures in my cd rom vault to show in my blog for you and me. This one is a find in an area very much walk as near my HQ in my eternal Paris, Therefore, let me tell you a bit on the Church Saint Léon of Paris !! Hope you enjoy the post as I.
The Church Saint-Léon is located in the 15éme arrondissement of Paris, on Place du Cardinal-Amette. It is named after Pope Leo the Great, in memory of Léon Thélier, husband of the donor who made the church’s construction possible, and of his son Marcel Thélier, a Jesuit priest who died for France.
The Art Deco-inspired decoration such as the stained glass windows, mosaics, sculptures, ironwork is characteristic of the 1930s and 1940s. The large mosaic in the Chapel of the Virgin depicts the Coronation of the Virgin, framed by a scene of the Nativity and a scene from the Stations of the Cross,Jesus Meets His Mother. On either side of these three main images, angels sing the Litany of the Virgin.
The foundation stone was consecrated on October 15, 1924. The first Mass was celebrated on October 30, 1925, in the single completed side aisle. Upon completion of the three naves, Cardinal Dubois returned to bless the church on May 14, 1926. On June 29, 1926, the parish of Saint-Léon was established as an independent parish from Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Grenelle (see post), The church was completed with a rectory at 1 Place du Cardinal Amette on May 1, 1927, and a parish hall at 11 Place du Cardinal Amette on November 25, 1928. This was the first parish hall built in Paris. It includes a 700-seat theater, a 150-seat catechism hall, and nine parish halls. The apse was inaugurated on October 28, 1930. This apse is complemented by a crypt, two galleries, two sacristies, and staff quarters. On June 12, 1932, Cardinal Verdier returned to bless and lay the foundation stone of the facade and bell tower. The high altar was consecrated on November 17, 1935. The parish dispensary, “La Goutte de Lait” (The Drop of Milk), was completely rebuilt and inaugurated on November 1, 1953. On September 20, 1959, the catechism chapel was built to accommodate 800 children or 600 adults. This 1,850 m² building, constructed around a courtyard with a large covered area, also includes 380 m² of scout facilities and a 33 x 16 meters sports hall for volleyball or basketball.
Saint Leo the Great. elected pope in 441, Leo I had to fight against heresies. The Council of Chalcedon, in 451, attempted to put an end to them by establishing the doctrine of the two natures of Christ, divine and human, in one person. Leo the Great was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1751 by Pope Benedict XIV. The Golden Legend recounts that the Council of Chalcedon also decreed that only virgins could wear the veil and that Mary would be called “Mother of God.” But Saint Leo is also the pope known for having gone to meet Attila to convince him not to attack Rome.
The official Parish Church Saint Léon : https://www.saintleon.com/
The Paris tourist office on the Church Saint Léon : https://parisjetaime.com/eng/culture/eglise-saint-leon-p1260
There you go folks, another beautiful monument of my dear Paris, and worth the detour for the architecture, history or soul in them. It was always wonderful to walk, drive or visit them over the years and still do when visiting, You will do well to come and visit this church too, Do see my individual post on many of the churches of Paris in my blog. Again, hope you enjoy this post on the Church Saint Léon of Paris !! as I.
And, remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!
