Chapelle Saint-Claude-la-Colombière, Historical chapel in Paray-le-Monial, France
The Chapelle Saint-Claude-la-Colombière de Paray-le-Monial is a listed historical chapel on Rue Pasteur in Paray-le-Monial, in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of France. Built around 1930, the building has a plain exterior with Byzantine-inspired forms, while the interior features colored mosaics, stained glass windows, and painted capitals.
The chapel was built around 1930, shortly after the beatification of Claude la Colombière in 1929, to give his relics a permanent home. In 2012, it was officially listed as a historical monument, securing its protection for the future.
The chapel takes its name from the Jesuit priest Claude la Colombière, who acted as spiritual director to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque. Inside, mosaics and stained glass windows show scenes from the life of Jesus alongside figures of well-known Jesuits such as Francis Xavier and Ignatius of Loyola.
The chapel is on Rue Pasteur, one of the main streets of Paray-le-Monial, and can be reached on foot from the other religious sites in town. Entry is free and no reservation is needed, and the chapel welcomes individuals as well as groups.
The chapel holds the relics of Saint Claude la Colombière, including his skull, displayed visibly above the altar. A recumbent figure of the priest is also present in the sanctuary, which is uncommon for a chapel of this size.
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