Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Church of the Holy Redeemer is the only Catholic building in Fleury-Mérogis, except for a chapel in the local stopping house. It depends on the diocese of Évry-Corbeil-Essonnes. Its origin dates back to a first medieval chapel, built by the lords of Mérogis in the Middle Ages, integrated into the castle of the time. This original building was demolished in 1722, along with a nearby castle, to give way to the present church dedicated to the Redeemer.

The present church, located at n°12 of the Grande Rue, was consecrated in 1725. It underwent a major restoration in 1982, when Fleury-Mérogis, formerly a rural village, became a city in full population growth thanks to immigration. During this work, modern stained glass windows were installed and interior decoration was redesigned. The historic high altar, which had been abolished in the 1960s, remained only by its altar table, while the Jube gate and pulpit were preserved.

Today, the church welcomes a diverse community, especially of Portuguese and African origin. She plays a central role in local life, with Sunday Masses celebrated at 11 a.m. (and 9 a.m. in August). Its architecture is characterized by a unique nave without sideways, a transept, and a cul-de-four apse. The roof, covered with tiles, is surmounted by a massive bell tower with a slate arrow, typical of the religious buildings of the region.

The transformation of the parish reflects the social changes of Fleury-Mérogis, from a rural village to a multicultural city. The church, by its history and its present role, embodies this mixture of historical heritage and contemporary dynamism, while remaining a gathering place for the faithful of various origins.

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