Churches in Paris and elsewhere

  In this seaside resort and fishing town of 6 000 inhabitants near Montpellier, with the poetic name, we found this little church, in Romanesque Revival style. It boasts modern Stations of the Cross, which seem to be painted onto slate, as well as modern stained glass. The church was opened in 1896, replacing a wooden church previously on the site. At the back of the church you can find the tomb of Saint Florence, and the inscription tells you who brought the body here, and in whose yacht ! Florence was martyred in Gaul in the 4th century under Roman emperor Diocletian. There is a plaque in the church thanking Belgian veterans and refugees for their assistance during World War Two.

  Paris 11th arrondissement – Saint Joseph of the Nations This church was being built during the Paris Commune. The streets just next to it are named after priests who were taken hostage and eventually executed by the Commune (although the church website emphasizes the very large number of Communards who were killed. On the noticeboard are some very chirpy adverts for catechism classes. The stations of the cross are worth a look. There is a fine painting of the Holy Family heading through the desert guided by the Holy Spirit, and fresques of apostles. And you can attend mass here in French, Portuguese, or Tamoul.