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Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Saint-Julien de La Bazouge-des-Alleux is the parish church of this commune of Pays de la Loire. Dedicated to Saint Julien, the first bishop of Le Mans, she preserved in her nave Romanesque elements despite subsequent changes. The choir, higher than the nave, was probably rebuilt in the 15th century, while chapels were added or modified between the 15th and 19th centuries.

In the 16th century, the building was neglected, especially in 1578, where there was no more minister to administer baptisms. This abandonment is attributed to the influence of the Feschals of Thuré, a Protestant family during the religious unrest of this period. The chapel of the Rosary, built between 1615 and 1620 by M. de Bouillé and Anne de Feschal, illustrates the return to a more assertive Catholic practice.

The church houses remarkable heritage elements, such as a 16th century stained glass window attributed to Simon de Heemsce, a 17th century altarpiece, and 17th century baptismal fonts. A fraternity of the Rosary, founded in 1661 by François Landais and Louise Houllière, was active there, benefiting from indulgences granted by the bishop of Le Mans in 1664. The big bell was recast in 1688 by Pierre Moreau, founder at Le Mans.

Among the notable chaplains were Jacques Jouannault, who entrusted the service of his chapel to Julien Mautaint, and Jules-Basile Ferron de La Ferronnays, bishop of Bayonne and son of the seigneur of Thuré, who owned the chapel of Gendrie in 1759. A richly decorated chalice, offered in 1888 by Jules-Marie Daudier, former captain of the pontifical zouaves, is preserved in the treasure of the sacristy.

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