Creating an ecumenical space
Oblates also know that ecumenism is fundamental to the vitality of our Church and those of other Christian confessions, particularly with our Orthodox brothers. For several years now, the concrete aspect between us, Orthodox and Catholics, has taken on a magnitude that stimulates both our churches. We are seeking to live out this rapprochement in the spirit of the Second Vatican Council, as well as the intuition of John Paul II, who saw the one “indivisible” Church made up of two lungs, one Orthodox and the other Catholic.
Atelier Saint-Jean Damascène
This is a monthly icon workshop under the supervision of an Orthodox priest and a support team. Participants come from both Orthodox and Catholic denominations. It’s a great time of communion!
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Unity Chapel
In this spirit, we have created a place of celebration, the “Chapel of Unity”, in the crypt of the Sanctuary Chapel of Saint Rita, with an iconostasis, to celebrate periodic times of prayer in common (Lauds, Vespers, or others), the “Holy Supper”, or more “Catholic” liturgies, in other circumstances.
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On January 31, 2021, His Excellency Mgr Mathieu ROUGE, Bishop of Nanterre, came to bless the major icons of the Iconostasis in the Chapel of Unity. Father François LAPOINTE, rector of the sanctuary, together with Father Jean-Baptiste GARRIGOU, Orthodox priest and master of the Atelier, having decided to create, in a spirit of communion, a unique and ecumenical place.
This event was marked by the blessing of two icons, those of Christ and the Virgin. This place of unity followed a long journey of almost 20 years, thanks to the continuous presence of the Atelier Saint-Jean Damascène, for “writing times”, but also liturgical celebrations and common moments of prayer between our two Churches. These ecclesial experiences have enabled us to get to know each other better, to aspire to “undivided” unity and to put it into practice, while respecting the traditions of each of our churches.
The creation of this modest chapel of Unity is therefore a moment of grace for all of us, Orthodox and Catholic alike. It is part of the continuity of what is being lived out in prayer, while opening up an opportunity for growth by making this search and this hope visible.
Support your sanctuary
Your support helps us to continue the various activities of this place of sanctuary.
Contribution to the Mass
Ask the Sanctuary of Saint Rita for a mass for your intentions, commemorating the Eucharist and the presence of Christ.
Lighting a candle
Candles burn ceaselessly, symbolizing our prayers and thanksgiving for our lives to become light.
Prayer intention
Saint Rita, patron saint of lost causes, welcomes your intentions and thanks, and may fraternal charity strengthen our prayer.