CONVENT OF SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS

The Dominican Community is one of the oldest in Lille. Indeed, the Brothers have been present in the city since 1224. The first Dominican convent was on the Faubourg Saint-André, but it was destroyed in the th century. It was then moved to rue Gambetta but the monks were expelled at the beginning of the th century by the Laws Combes (laws endorsing the separation of Church and State). In 1927, the community settled in the Wazemmes district, in a bourgeois house on Rue Brûle. But in 1952, Father Michel-Robert Bous decided to move the community. To do this, a new convent must be built. This will be done in 1957, the year of the official inauguration of the current convent. The latter is an achievement of architects Pierre Pinsard (specialist in contemporary sacred art and Carmel d'Amiens architect) and Neil Hutchison. Made of bricks and concrete, the convent is of great architectural simplicity that is in perfect harmony with the values advocated by the Dominican community. Moreover, Brother Bous wanted the convent to reflect «the Dominican characteristics of light and joy». Without unnecessary ornaments, the various buildings that make up the convent bring calm and serenity. As well as light day a key role. This radicalité of the building refers to the essentials. The impressive chapel can accommodate up to 400 people. The church's voute is an architectural feat. Its wavy arch is built on concrete pillars in necked shapes. The chapter hall, the atrium and the library (one of the most beautiful in Lille) are separated from any partition, respecting the opening values of the community. The original cloister was not closed to the outside. The convent also consists of a dining, a hotel, a novitiate and a conventual building divided into 40 cells for monks. In the 50 s, this contemporary architecture impresses. So much so that the convent is the first religious building in France to be classified "Heritage of the twentieth century". In a spirit of openness, the convent welcomes visitors for pensions, the time of one night or a weekend. The visitor can then participate in the offices and religious life of the convent, while enjoying a guided tour of this exceptional place. Whether you are thinking or not, this convent is a place not to be missed.