Sanctuaire Sainte-Rita

Jubilee Pilgrimage of the Elder Sisters of Saint Vincent de Paul
2026-08-04 15:45 (Europe/Paris)

Jubilee Pilgrimage of the Parishes of Saint Peter, Saint Paul, and Saint Joseph in Clamart
2026-08-04 15:45

Consecration of the Sainte-Rita Shrine Chapel
2026-08-04 15:45
The dedication of the Sainte-Rita Shrine Chapel, celebrated every November 21, holds deep spiritual significance for the faithful. Consecrated in 1992 by Bishop Favreau, Bishop Emeritus of Nanterre, this chapel is a place of prayer and contemplation, dedicated to Saint Rita, known as the patron saint of hopeless causes.

The choice of November 21, which coincides with the Feast of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary, underscores the importance of faith and openness to God. It reminds us that, like Mary, who accepted God’s will, the faithful are called to turn toward the sacred and to trust in Divine Providence, even in difficult times.

Spiritually, the dedication of the chapel is also an invitation to the community to come together in prayer, to support one another, and to seek inner peace. It is a time of spiritual renewal, when believers can renew their commitment to their faith and their devotion to Saint Rita, entrusting their intentions and petitions to her.

Finally, this shrine has become a symbol of hope and comfort for all those facing trials, offering them a place to find the strength to overcome their difficulties while drawing inspiration from the example of Saint Rita’s life. The annual dedication is thus a reminder of God’s constant presence in the lives of believers and of the importance of community in the faith.

Here are a few biblical, patristic, and liturgical quotations that can enrich our reflection on the spiritual significance of the dedication of the Chapel of Saint Rita:

Bible Verses

Matthew 7:7: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.”

This quote highlights the importance of prayer and trust in God when it comes to our requests.

Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

A reminder of the peace that God can bring in times of distress.

Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and he saves those whose spirits are crushed.”

This verse highlights God’s compassion for those who are suffering.

Patristic Quotes

St. Augustine: “Prayer is the soul’s ascent toward God.”

A concise yet profound definition of prayer as an essential spiritual act.

St. John Chrysostom: “Prayer is a powerful weapon, a priceless treasure, and a source of help for those in need.”

This quote highlights the power of prayer during difficult times.

Saint Gregory of Nazianzus: “Pray without ceasing, for you are at war.”

A reminder of the importance of prayer as a source of spiritual support in the face of life’s trials.

Liturgical Citations

Opening Prayer of the Mass: “Lord, grant that we may always pray to you with confidence, for you are our strength and our salvation.”

This prayer reflects the trust in God that the faithful express during the liturgy.

Entrance Antiphon: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him.” (Revelation 3:20)

An invitation to welcome God’s presence into our lives.

Preface to the Mass: “It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, to give you thanks always and everywhere, Lord, most holy Father, eternal and almighty God.”

This preface emphasizes the importance of gratitude toward God, particularly in the context of prayer and devotion.

These quotes can serve as a source of inspiration and reflection for the faithful during the dedication ceremony for the St. Rita Shrine Chapel, reinforcing the themes of prayer, hope, and community.

Jubilee Pilgrimage of the Fontenelles Parish in Nanterre
2026-08-04 15:45

Annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Shrine
2026-08-04 15:45

St. John Paul II Meetings
2026-08-04 15:45
in the Bethesda Room

Objectives:

– Learn about the key differences between Christianity and Islam,

– To better understand the journey of converts,

– Keep our interparish welcome group active.

Taizé European Gathering
2026-08-04 15:45
From Sunday, December 28, to Thursday, January 1, 2026, the 48th Taizé European Gathering will take place in Paris and the Île-de-France region.

For the occasion, 15,000 young people from across the continent are expected to gather at various locations in the Paris region to share in moments of prayer and fellowship.

The St. Rita Shrine Chapel will host several events listed in the program below, and young people will be coming from Italy, Spain, Ukraine, and other countries. They will be welcomed in Fontenay-aux-Roses and the surrounding area by more than 40 families.

A significant event focused on unity in Christ and in support of lasting peace.

https://www.taize.fr/fr/paris-2025-26

Sunday, December 28, 2025

12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.: Initial general registration at various central locations in Paris and the Île-de-France region

Arrival at the host locations (parishes) and assignment to host families

5:30 p.m.: Group meal at the host parishes

Evening

7:00 p.m.: Evening prayer in the host parishes

Monday, December 29, 2025

Morning

Breakfast at the hosts’ house

8:30 a.m.: Morning prayer in the host parishes, followed by small-group discussions and a meeting with “witnesses of hope”

The morning program varies by host parish and may take place at a single host location, involve several neighboring host locations, or be organized at the departmental level to showcase local initiatives.

Noon and Afternoon

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Lunch distribution at the Champ-de-Mars (Lunch will be distributed at the Champ-de-Mars, Place Joffre, across from the Eiffel Tower.) Metro: Varennes, École Militaire, La Motte-Picquet–Grenelle, Dupleix, or Bir-Hakeim. RER: Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel or Pont de l’Alma)

1:30 p.m.: Midday prayer in the major churches of central Paris

Please do not visit any church other than the one listed in your itinerary.

Admission to Notre-Dame Cathedral will only be permitted with a wristband.

Tour slots are available as part of the afternoon workshops.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, join us at 1:30 p.m. at the churches of Saint-Sulpice, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or Saint-Ignace, and on Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m. at the church of Saint-François-Xavier.

3:00 p.m.: A selection of themed workshops at approximately 50 locations in central Paris

Starting at 5:30 p.m.: Meal (packed lunch distributed at noon)

Evening

7:00 p.m.: Evening prayer in the major churches of Paris and the Île-de-France region (until about 8:30 p.m.)

Return to the hosts’ home before 10:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Morning

Breakfast at the hosts’ house

8:30 a.m.: Morning prayer in the host parishes, followed by small-group discussions and a meeting with “witnesses of hope”

The morning program varies by host parish and may take place at a single host location, involve several neighboring host locations, or be organized at the departmental level to showcase local initiatives.

Noon and Afternoon

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Lunch distribution at the Champ-de-Mars (Lunch will be distributed at the Champ-de-Mars, Place Joffre, across from the Eiffel Tower.) Metro: Varennes, École Militaire, La Motte-Picquet–Grenelle, Dupleix, or Bir-Hakeim. RER: Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel or Pont de l’Alma)

1:30 p.m.: Midday prayer in the major churches of central Paris

Please do not visit any church other than the one listed in your itinerary.

Admission to Notre-Dame Cathedral will only be permitted with a wristband.

Tour slots are available as part of the afternoon workshops.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, join us at 1:30 p.m. at the churches of Saint-Sulpice, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or Saint-Ignace, and on Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m. at the church of Saint-François-Xavier.

3:00 p.m.: A selection of themed workshops at approximately 50 locations in central Paris

Starting at 5:30 p.m.: Meal (packed lunch distributed at noon)

Evening

7:00 p.m.: Evening prayer service at the Accor Arena in Bercy (until approximately 8:30 p.m.)

Return to the hosts’ home before 10:00 p.m.

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Morning

Breakfast at the hosts’ house

8:30 a.m.: Morning prayer in the host parishes, followed by small-group discussions and a meeting with “witnesses of hope”

The morning program varies by host parish and may take place at a single host location, involve several neighboring host locations, or be organized at the departmental level to showcase local initiatives.

Noon and Afternoon

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Lunch distribution at the Champ-de-Mars (Lunch will be distributed at the Champ-de-Mars, Place Joffre, across from the Eiffel Tower.) Metro: Varennes, École Militaire, La Motte-Picquet–Grenelle, Dupleix, or Bir-Hakeim. RER: Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel or Pont de l’Alma)

1:30 p.m.: Midday prayer in the major churches of central Paris

Please do not visit any church other than the one listed in your itinerary.

Admission to Notre-Dame Cathedral will only be permitted with a wristband.

Tour slots are available as part of the afternoon workshops.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, join us at 1:30 p.m. at the churches of Saint-Sulpice, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or Saint-Ignace, and on Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m. at the church of Saint-François-Xavier.

3:00 p.m.: Country-specific meetings (at various locations in Paris)

Starting at 5:30 p.m.: Meal (packed lunch distributed at noon)

Evening

7:00 p.m.: Evening prayer service at the Accor Arena in Bercy (until approximately 8:30 p.m.)

11:00 p.m.: Prayer vigil for peace at the reception centers, followed by a “Festival of Nations”

Return to the hosts’ home before 2:00 a.m.

Thursday, January 1, 2026

Morning

Breakfast at the hosts’ house

New Year’s celebrations in host parishes throughout the region

Noon and Afternoon

Lunch at the hosts’ house

Departure of young people from central locations in each department

Conference on “Pilgrimages to the Shrine of Saint Rita”: Testimonials from Pilgrims to Cascia, Assisi, and Rome in November 2025 and Future Prospects
2026-08-04 15:45

A shared lunch for the group of pilgrims who took part in the Cascia/Assisi/Rome pilgrimage from November 7 to 12
2026-08-04 15:45
