24.6.09

Franciscan Missionaries of Mary

Just north of Parc Montsouris (see previous post), there is another very quiet and peaceful little space, not so easy to find (Impasse de Reille); a convent – “Franciscaines Missionaires de Marie” (Franciscan Missionaries of Mary). I understand that this movement was started by “Mary of the Passion”, Hélène Marie Philippine de Chappotin de Neuville (1839-1904), in 1877. It operates worldwide, today with some 7000 sisters, whereof some 3000 in Asia.

The chapel “Sainte Jeanne d’Arc “ (St. Joan of Arc) dates from 1913. It’s surrounded by some nice green areas, a small park and some traditional convent type of buildings.

When you go to the front side of the chapel, you will be surprised by a parking place and some large modern buildings, less attractive for the eyes (at least mine), but proofs of an important activity. It also operates as a home for students.

39 comments:

Cezar and Léia said...

Such a quiet place! An oasis of peace in the middle of big city!
A stroll in these gardens must be very soothing.
Thanks for this wonderful post!
Cezar

Virginia said...

I especially like the one of the interior of the church with the light coming in the windows. What a lovely place you found!
V

James said...

I've never been to this part of Paris. Thanks for sharing.

Cheryl said...

Looks lovely and peaceful. Though I can't imagine what it would be like to live in a convent in the middle of Paris. Probably as close to a life without stress there that one can get.

Neva said...

How neat is this? I am always amazed at the information you have and how well you share....I think this is a lovely spot in a busy city. It looks very green. I have been busy catching up with Shannon as she has arrived home from India.

Rakesh Vanamali said...

Great shots Peter! Looks very peaceful a place to me!

Olivier said...

je me posais la question, si la bonne (on le sait pas vraiment) sœur était une vraie ou une statue !!!!

alice said...

Les bonnes soeurs se cachent souvent dans de bien jolis endroits...!

Cergie said...

Tu veux dire un foyer pour étudiants ? Cette activité est très développée à Paris, c'est une façon comme une autre d'"embrigader", une forme de prosélytisme.
Souvent les religieux possèdent qui viennet de legs ou d'héritages de très beaux terrains et locaux, là encore la preuve avec ce bel espace vert.

Adam said...

I don't really agree with your opinion on the comparitive qualities of the two types of architecture here. The student accommodation is perhaps not very interesting, but at least it is of its time and useful! For the church, I find it hard to believe that such a retro, gothic styled structure was built in 1914! If there is one thing I really don't like it is pastiche copies of ancient styles!

Great find though - I wasn't aware of this building at all.

SusuPetal said...

Looks like a peaceful place.

hpy said...

Dans la verdure même les poubelles sont vertes. C'est fou ce que tu trouves comme coins dans Paris...

Parisbreakfasts said...

Me too..I've never been. But then I have limited park exposure in Paris...thye do have a Paul in the Tuilleries though...that I visited.

Shammickite said...

A definite quiet corner of peace in the busy city. How did you find out about this peaceful place? And is it open to the public to stroll through the green spaces, or did you have to ask permission from the convent? And the student housing.... for students of the convent, or other institutions?

Blind Fly Theater said...

Good Morning, Peter!
These are the types of places that soothe my soul and lend peace to my day... I am not Catholic, not even particularly Christian (though raised as such and passively considered), but I am drawn to Saints and places like these... I have done several tiles of Jeanne D'Arc, so you know I'm a fan of hers.
Lovely post, Peter...
Thanks a bunch,
David

crocrodyl said...

Original! I like especially the first photo! Great shape of the church!

Starman said...

How do you find all these wonderful places and things?

Karen said...

What a nice surprise hiding behind all the big modern white buildings. Such contrast. I prefer the park and church, of course.

La Belette Rouge said...

You are making me so aware that I have seen just the tiniest bit of Paris.

Azer Mantessa said...

am not sure which one is referred less attractive. the tall building or the somewhat new white building?

if the somewhat new white building is the home for students, i think that may motivate some to be students for life.

EMNM said...

Seems a quiet place, like an oasis!

Thérèse said...

Lorsque j'ai vu les oiseaux j'ai tout de suite pensé à Saint François...
Un bel endroit au calme.

PeterParis said...

Cezar:
Yes and I was a bit surprised to find it! :-)

Virginia:
Maybe not on the top priority list? :-)

James:
There are quite a few nice things in the area, so maybe next time? :-)

PeterParis said...

Cheryl:
It's defintieley another kind of life! :-)

Neva:
Must be interesting to listen to her after this long trip! I guess you will tell something on your blog? :-)

Rkaesh: It IS peaceful :-)

PeterParis said...

Olivier:
... et tu as trouvé la réponse? :-)

Alice:
C'est bien vrai! Ca donne presque envie à une vie monacale des fois! :-)

Cergie:
Je pense que tout ce que tu dis est vrai, mais je n'ai pas cherché plus loin! :-)

PeterParis said...

Adam:
I agree that each period should have it's style, but when it comes to this building, I wonder of you can talk about a style? :-)

SusuPetal:
Indeed it is! :-)

hpy:
Des fois je cherche, des fois je trouve comme ça! :-)

PeterParis said...

ParisBreakfast:
Each one his or her specialities! :-)

Shammickite:
I found it like that, just walked in... I must admit that I didn't check about the students living here! :-)

SparkleMirror:
Like me, I visit churches for their beauty ... and sometime for the (mostly free) concerts! :-)

PeterParis said...

m_m:
I wonder if I don't prefer the wooden churches you have showed? :-)

Starman:
Sometime I read about something, sometimes I have heard about it, sometimes I just find it, like here! :-)

Karen:
I'm not surprised! :-)

PeterParis said...

La Belette Rouge:
So... you must come back! :-)

Azer:
I referred to the taller, not so white building! :-)

Matritensis:
Yes, indeed! :-)

PeterParis said...

Thérèse:
... and Franz Liszt! :-)

Kate said...

Treasures are to be found all over Paris. I prefer the older architecture to the modern, and the top photo is proof that it's much better!

PeterParis said...

Kate:
In this case I would definitely agree with you! :-)

Unknown said...

I love circular old churches and this one is a beauty!

PeterParis said...

JM:
Agree; it has a nice shape, although it's quite new and the style is copied. :-)

GMG said...

Touché!! Never saw this one!! ;)

PeterParis said...

GMG:
Somehow a nice feeling to see that there are places where you haven't been! :-)

Ruth said...

You can never say you have seen it all in Paris. There will always be some surprise around a corner or behind some wall of trees. It's really incredible. This must be a nice quiet place.

PeterParis said...

Ruth:
One reason to continue blogging about Paris! :-)

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