Just a few short weeks ago, we stayed at a beautiful Parisian pied-à-terre in the 8th arrondissement on Rue de Laborde, near Boulevard Haussmann. A little hidden treasure, discreetly tucked away on a quiet side street that was secure and situated within a quaint garden courtyard, yet just far enough away from tourist-filled streets and crowds.
It was a typical
Paris day for us as we wandered through the streets and alleyways, with no map
or matter in mind as to what would be next on our itinerary. When we found
ourselves at the grand Église Saint-Augustin de Paris, a Catholic church built
between 1860 and 1871. The first church to be built with a cast-iron frame and
roof, it anchors 46 Boulevard Malesherbes and the Church of La Madeleine,
located at the opposite end. This grand Haussmann-designed Catholic Church
seems to be a quiet secret in Paris; it seems to be forgotten by the tourists.
The Église Saint-Augustin Catholic Church can be seen from
the Arc de Triomphe - down avenue de Friedland, and it seems to call out like a
beacon; "come on in and savor the moment - enjoy my majestic
surroundings." The red steel spire with its golden cross sits atop the
slate blue steel dome, soaring 100m high to the sky. This Byzantine and
Romanesque-designed church gives an intimate feel. Inside, local families
quietly come and go, praying, lighting candles, and where elderly women
faithfully pray the rosary. They have found their peace and comfort
in this neighborhood church.
For me, it was drifting along softly and quietly, down the side aisles, all the while admiring the stained glass, religious icons, and soaring iron angels, when suddenly, I glanced into the chapel dedicated to Foucauld, who was canonized by Pope Francis, and witnessed a beautiful and private baptism. What a glorious moment! This is what makes Paris special; you can stumble into beautiful moments and keep them secure in your memory and heart forever.
The petit bébé was
delicately dressed in his long white, flowing christening gown, tied with blue
satin ribbons - as the priest held him high for all to see; all the while
offering blessings and prayers to the child and his family in
affirmation. Family members snapped photos and basked in this sacred
moment. We suddenly felt a part of this family’s private ceremony. We took away with us that beautiful memory that will be locked in our hearts
forever, all provided by happenstance inside Église Saint-Augustin de Paris Catholic
Church.
To us, this is precisely
what makes Paris so incredibly special: stumbling upon moments that you can
keep assured in your heart and mind forever.
________________________________________________________
I’m Christie, a Midwest native who is an intrepid traveler, author, and owner of the blog Scribbles and Smiles. Writing under the bespoke pen name J. Christina, sharing stories from European adventures and magical excursions. Since starting my blog, I have contributed articles to France Today, Bonjour Paris, The Good Life France, Perfectly Provence, and Bella Provence Travels.
Travel is a privilege.
