The construction of the chapel was the result of a private initiative: Philippe Leclercq (1899-1980) was the founder of this project in 1952.
The desire to create a work at once artistic and spiritual, made to last and mark his time, led Philippe Leclercq to appeal to Alfred Manessier to whom he asked to advise an architect. Hermann Baur (1894-1980), a member of the Federation of Swiss Architects (who practised in Basel from 1930 to 1972), was chosen.
With the desire to animate a collective work, the sculptor Eugène Dodeigne and the mosaicist Jean Barillet took part in the construction of the building whose foundation stone was laid on September 16, 1956. The chapel was blessed by Cardinal Liénart on March 30, 1958.
The small size of the building was designed to meet the need to adapt the place of worship to the structure of the community it serves. A little set back, the forecourt is a place preserved by a green wall. It is in this space that is installed the campanile.
The reflection that took place around the construction was marked by the concern of total integration of the chapel in the environment, whether human or geographical.
The mosaic of the awning invites to enter the chapel. The door opens on a Holy Face according to Rouault, incarnate presence of Christ.
The glass wall to the south goes beyond the simple decorative function; the non-figurative genre is animated here by an authentic religious emotion that allows to grasp something of the divine mystery.
The stained glass window of the chapel is characteristic of the art of Manessier (1911-1993) who, on the date of the realization, left the representation for the meaning.
The later contribution of Jean Roulland for the figure of Pope John XXIII and a processional cross completes the whole.
From this teamwork was born this chapel whose arrangement preceded the directives of the Second Vatican Council makes it possible to find the living sources of the liturgy.
It is an important step that leads art and the public towards each other in the context of the renewal of sacred art which is praise to the glory of God.
Classified "Historical Monument" since August 30, 2012, for architecture and furniture, you will discover it in the state closest to the initial state. It remains a place of worship and culture open to all and welcomes the chaplaincy of artists.
Contact: antoine.quidu@yahoo.fr