Not All Churches In Paris Are Old!

The other day we were on our way to a large public market in a part of Paris that was new to us. We rode the bus to the area; then, following the map with some help from a couple of Paris citizens along the way, we got on the right track to the market. However, as we walked towards our destination, we saw this beautiful, new looking building. It is sort of rose colored. It did not take us long to identify the building as a beautiful church, with a magnificent tower and entrance way.


We discovered that it is the Church of Saint-Odile, and it was actually completed in 1946. The church was built on a parcel of land that was reconquered from Russian troops which had occupied this area beginning in 1814. When the land was repossessed by France, strong fortifications were built that were deisgned to withstand artillery fire. These fortifications remained until the 1920's. Gradually the wall was removed, and the land area became a wasteland. In 1934 the Catholic diocese was offered a part of this land upon which to build a church.

The building project began in 1935 following a period of fund raising. Construction was interrupted as World War II began during what was called the "Phony War." This was a period of time after the declaration of war before much fighting took place. Then, Paris was occupied by the Germans, and work on the church actually resumed during the occupation. The beginnings of the tower suffered fire from the onslaught of people who sought refuge there during this time. The bells that were to be installed were hidden near the town of Chartres. Following the end of the occupation, the church became a part of a newly established parish in April 1953. It is a beautiful church.

The church was named for the patron saint, Odile, a young blind man who recovered his sigh following his baptism as a Christian. The church has beautiful, very large and colorful windows done in the Art Nouveau style.

We discovered a beautiful city park next to the church. Of course, it was beautiful. All of the many, many parks in Paris are beautiful. This one also had a well designed and colorful playground for children, and it was well populated with "little ones" - with parents looking on - when we were there.

By the way, the market was very large and extremely crowded with local folks. We bought a few things and then enjoyed lunch at a Thai Restaurant that was on our way back to catch #92 bus. Paris is filled with adventures just waiting for us to appear to enjoy them. And, we never know what all we will find when we go looking for a new market to visit. Much fun!