While the churches are struggling to fill up, the diocese of Rennes is building a new church in Saint-Jacques de La Lande. The Anastasis project, that’s its name, began in November 2015 and should be finished in November 2017.
In Saint Jacques de la Lande, at the gates of the Breton capital, is emerging from the ground the first 21st century church in Brittany.
light symbol
It is an immaculate building, with clean lines, which took shape in the heart of the new Morinais district. A work by the Portuguese architect Alvaro Siza, an 82-year-old artist recognized worldwide.
This new church, named Anastasiswants to be “the symbol of light, purity and the Resurrection”, “a landmark of meaning expected in contemporary society” according to the Archbishop of Rennes Pierre d’Ornellas.
Unlike other churches Anastasis will not have a bell tower but only a campanile with 3 bells already blessed.
A 3 million euro church
Anastasis will cost no less than 3 million euros to the Diocese of Rennes which has chosen to finance this project to sell the St Marc church in the Villejean district to a property developer. Bequests, inheritances and patronage made it possible to partially complete the budget.
Construction work began in November 2015 and is expected to be completed in November this year. An inauguration ceremony is already fixed for November 26th.
Report by Marc-André Mouchère and Christoph Rousseau
The first Breton church of the 21st century is called Anastasis and is located in St Jacques de la Lande
Speakers:
– Father Joseph Lecoq, parish priest of Saint-Jacques parish
– Monsignor Pierre d’Ornellas, Archbishop of Rennes
– Jean-Pierre Pranlas-Descours, Operational Architect
