Mother Church
a great house where the heart
of the Diocese is beating
The Cathedral
Mother Church of the Diocese
The grace of a cathedral is also that it shows each one his or her place and mission among the great family (or the great house) of the Church. There, each one will receive the tools he or she needs to accomplish his or her due task, in order to help “building the Body of Christ” (Eph 4:12)
The Cathedral is the main church of the diocese of Lyon. The Bishop sits in that symbolic place where he teaches and accompanies the believers in their faithful lives. That is why we call it a Mother Church.
Le titre de Primatiale lui a été conféré au XIème siècle en raison de son histoire ancienne liée au martyre de Saint Pothin, de Sainte Blandine et de leurs compagnons en 177, faisant d’elle la plus ancienne église de France. La cathédrale a été le théâtre de deux conciles au XIIIème siècle, du couronnement du pape Jean XXII en 1316, du mariage d’Henri IV et de Marie de Médicis en 1600, et de bien d’autres événements religieux et civils d’envergure. Son maître autel a été consacré par le pape Innocent IV et le pape Saint Jean-Paul II y est venu en visite le 5 octobre 1986.
Its magnificence must not make us forget that this house of God is, just like its heart [or choir?], open to the vast diversity of its children. The Cathedral welcomes young and old alike, believers and non-believers, for great events as well as more private steps of everyday life, which are no less important.
CELEBRATE
.
GATHER PEOPLE TOGETHER
.
SUPPORT US
Daily celebrations
The Cathedral is open from 8:15 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. on weekdays, and from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekends. During these times, you can come to pray, or to deposit a small candle or a prayer intention.
Throughout the day, in communion with the other Christian communities around the world, each one is invited to join in the Church’s prayer:
- Les laudes sont priées à la chapelle des chanoines du lundi au samedi, à 8h40.
- L’Eucharistie est célébrée dans la chapelle des Chanoines les matins, du lundi au samedi à 9h, et le vendredi soir à 19h. Le dimanche, elle a lieu à 8h30 et à 10h30, dans le chœur de la cathédrale.
- L’adoration eucharistique est une prière qui prolonge la célébration et la communion reçue au cours de la messe. Le Saint-Sacrement est exposé dans la chapelle des chanoines chaque vendredi de 17h45 à 18h30.
Meeting a priest
Les prêtres offrent un temps d’écoute et de confession pour ceux qui le souhaitent. Vous pouvez venir les rencontrer librement lors de permanences.
À la cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste
- Mercredi : 17h › 19h
- Vendredi : 17h › 19h
À la basilique Saint Bonaventure
- Lundi : 14h30 › 16h & 17h › 19h
- Mar › Ven : 10h › 12h & 14h30 › 16h & 17h › 19h
- Samedi : 10h › 12h & 17h › 19h
Receiving the sacraments
The grace of God is manifest in the sacraments, through which the believer joins the Church and takes part in the divine life.
If you have any question or request, you can meet a priest during his duty periods (Monday to Friday, from 5pm to 7pm) or contact the reception.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20)
Baptism is the first sacrament. It makes one enter the people of God, the Christian community, and gives access to every other sacrament. It can be received at birth, at school age, or as an adult. It is necessary to follow a preparation, whose length will vary accordingto age, in order to discover and absorb the Church’s faith.
Contact us: primatiale@lyon.catholique.fr
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; (…) I will put My Spirit within you (…) you shall be My people, and I will be your God.” (Ezekiel 36:26-28)
Confirmation is the sacrament which fulfils the grace of baptism. While being provided with the gift of the Holy Spirit, like the Apostles on Pentecost, the person who is confirmed receives the force to answer God’s love and is committed to witnessing that love: it is the promise of a life rooted in Christ.
Contact us: primatiale@lyon.catholique.fr
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
The Sacrament of Penance, which is a sign of God’s infinite love, can be received all the time, at any age, so as to restore our relation with God, with ourselves, and with the others.
Un prêtre se tient à votre disposition pour vous recevoir les lundis (de 18h à 19h), mercredis (de 17h à 19h) et vendredis (de 17h à 19h).
Contact us: primatiale@lyon.catholique.fr
“So then, they are no longer two but one flesh.” (Matthew 19:6)
Many couples request the Sacrament of Matrimony, in order to give a sacred dimension to their mutual love, and to receive a divine force, so that they will love each other, in both happy and difficult times. Such a commitment requires a preparation of at least one year.
Contact us: primatiale@lyon.catholique.fr
“Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up”
A Catholic worshipper may receive this sacrament when suffering from a serious disease, before an important operation, or if the disease progresses.
Contact us: primatiale@lyon.catholique.fr
“(…) neither death nor life, (…) nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39)
The death of someone who was close to us, is always a hard time in life. The community welcomes your pain with compassion, and tries to support you, in prayer and care. It helps those who remain to say a last goodbye to the deceased, hoping he or she will join God in eternal life. If you have just lost a loved one, the Cathedral can receive you, in order to prepare the ceremony.
Vous venez de perdre un proche la cathédrale vous accueille pour préparer la cérémonie.
Contact us: primatiale@lyon.catholique.fr
Highlights
- December 8 (Festival of Lights)
- Christmas
- Ash Wednesday
- Decisive call of the catechumens
- Chrism Mass
- Easter Triduum
- Pentecost
- Confirmation for adults
- Ordinations
GATHER PEOPLE TOGETHER
We are at your service
- Père Patrick ROLLIN, recteur
(p.rollin@lyon.catholique.fr) - Père Nicolas BOSSU, vicaire
(n.bossu@lyon.catholique.fr) - Père Bernard TOLON, prêtre auxiliaire
(b.tolon@lyon.catholique.fr) - M. Patrick LAUDET, diacre
Appointed by the bishop, the canons celebrate the prayer of the hours and the Eucharist in the cathedral, praying for the intentions of the archbishop and of the diocese.
The altar servers are at the service of the prayer of the community and of the presiding priest in the choir of the cathedral. Through their mission, they help the faithful to enter into the mystery celebrated. To do this, they receive a training adapted to their service within the year.
The Maîtrise de la Primatiale
The Maîtrise de la Primatiale (choir school of the Cathedral) is the oldest musical institution in Lyon, as it was founded in 799 by Bishop Laidradus. It includes a choir of children and young people, as well as a choir of adults. It is dedicated to the liturgy of the Cathedral, through the various services that punctuate the year.
Maître de Chapelle : M. Thibaut LOUPPE (7 place Saint Irénée, Lyon 5ème | 04 26 20 51 60 | contact@petitschanteursdelyon.com)
- La pré-maîtrise
- La maîtrise
- Le chœur de jeunes
- L’ensemble Elevatio
Website lespetitschanteursdelyon.fr
The titular organist
M. Guillaume PRIEUR
Like an offering to the Creator, liturgical flowering contributes to the dignity and beauty of liturgical celebrations.
Present at each celebration, the reception service ensures that each person, faithful or passing visitor, believer or not, feels welcome.
Help us with your donation
Support the Cathedral’s activity
- By sending your donation to the Association diocésaine de Lyon (6 avenue Adolphe Max, 69321 Lyon, 04 78 81 47 51), not forgetting to mention “at the benefice of Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste”. It is a tax deductible donation, and we can give you a tax receipt if needed.
For the sake of consistency, the Cathedral strives to reduce its ecological footprint. We are members of the Église Verte (Green Church) label , since April 2019.
Please feel free to share your improvement suggestions.
Contact us
RECEPTION DESK
Phillie WEATHERBURN-BAKER
Secrétaire générale de la cathédrale Saint Jean-Baptiste
Cure Saint-Jean-Baptiste
8 place Saint-Jean
69005 Lyon
0033 9 81 15 74 01 (from Monday to Friday)
p.weatherburnbaker@lyon.catholique.fr
primatiale@lyon.catholique.fr
Lyon Cathédrale Association, founded in 1924, aims to promote the reputation of Lyon Cathedral, within the city and beyond, as well as to preserve and share its historical, cultural, artistic and spiritual values, by any appropriate means.
Among our activities, we can mention organizing monthly organ sessions and managing the store. We have published a brochure about stained-glass windows. The association is editing and updating a multilingual flyer for visitors, made a financial contribution for restoring the candelabras of the Saint-Sacrement chapel, and so on…
You can join the association (annual subscription: 5€) and, if you have time, become a volunteer.
7 rue des Antonins, Lyon 5ème
Tel. Jacques Guillot : 06 77 41 35 86
associationlyoncathedrale@gmail.com
Les Filles de la Charité de Saint Vincent de Paul
Fondée par Saint Vincent de Paul et Louise de Marillac, cette communauté internationale est appelée à servir les pauvres et les marginalisés. Humilité, Simplicité, Charité sont les piliers de leurs actions. À travers différentes associations, elles subviennent aux premiers besoins et aident les personnes à se reconstruire. Ce ne sont pas moins de 1931 communautés dans 94 pays qui constituent cette communauté. Et parmi celles-ci, la communauté de l’Avenue du Doyenné nous tient particulièrement à cœur.
Leurs actions…
8 avenue du Doyenné, Lyon 5ème
Tél. : 04 72 77 80 90
Website filles-de-la-charite.org
L’association Saint Vincent
L’accueil Saint Vincent :
Cet accueil est assuré par le foyer Notre-Dame des Sans-Abri, au 10 rue Bellièvre, Lyon 5ème. Il offre un instant de repos, d’échange avec des bénévoles, mais aussi un soutien d’ordre général et parfois administratif.
Toute l’année :
Lundi › Vendredi : 8h30 › 13h
Et aussi les week-ends en période hivernale :
Samedi : 9h › 13h
Dimanche : 9h › 11h (avec le soutien de l’Ordre de Malte)
Tél. (aux horaires d’ouverture) : 04 72 40 24 92
Liens:
Le panier Saint Vincent :
Distribution de produits de première nécessité les vendredis matin de 9h à 11h au 3 rue Mourguet, Lyon 5ème, assurée par les équipes Saint Vincent en lien avec les services sociaux de la mairie du 5ème arrondissement.
Service d’alphabétisation :
Groupe de parole autour d’un café ouvert à tous chaque mardi de 14h à 16h (fermé en été).
Le foyer « l’Épi » de l’Arche
Cette communauté, fondée par Jean Vanier en 1990 vise à « faire connaître le don des personnes ayant un handicap mental à travers une vie partagée et de leur permettre de prendre une juste place dans la société. »
Heureux ensemble ! Le foyer est en lien avec les Filles de la Charité.
Tél. : 04 37 91 21 15
Liens :
- À Lyon : www.arche-lyon.org
- Page Facebook de l’Arche à Lyon
- En France : www.arche-france.org
- Dans le monde : www.larche.org
- Devenir volontaire à l’Arche : www.arche-volontaire.org
Les « Écriveurs »
Pour les adultes cherchant à écrire, partager poésie et rêves… dans un climat convivial et fraternel.
Chaque vendredi de 14h à 16h en période scolaire. Pendant les vacances, se renseigner.
Tél. Mylène : 06 63 49 00 92
L’association AGAPA
Accompagne une personne qui a connu une interruption de grossesse ou la perte d’un enfant à la naissance sur rendez-vous.
Tél. : 06 29 59 50 87
Les Témoins de la Fraternité
Reprenant la relève du groupe Diaconia, ce groupe permet un échange entre toutes les personnes sensibles aux pauvretés actuelles, désireuses d’approfondir leur foi de manière simple et amicale.
Une rencontre toutes les 6 semaines, le jeudi de 14h à 16h.
Tél. M. Bois : 06 12118726
Le cabinet Raphaël
Vous êtes seul(e) ou en couple. Vous traversez des difficultés dans votre vie affective et relationnelle.
Des professionnelles sont là pour vous écouter et vous accompagner.
Tél. S.Passot : 06 62 52 85 55
Tél. F. Veyron-Lacroix : 06 61 17 05 64
Tél. I. St Georges : 06 71 78 37 80
Le groupe Co Naissance
Accompagne les personnes pour définir projet professionnel qui leur ressemble
Tél. : 04 27 02 52 83
Tél. : 04 78 81 47 73
Discover a thousand-year-old heritage
in the heart of Lyon
Known as the Primatiale of the Gauls, the cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Lyon was built between 1180 and 1480. It is characterized by a diversity of architectural and artistic styles. So many years, so many expressions of faith from the builders and so many wonders to discover!
Entering Lyon Cathedral means showing curiosity, going beyond your first impression to let it unveil its history and beauty.
Coming to the cathedral means opening your eyes wide to admire the building. It is also, if you wish, the opportunity to treat yourself to some time in silence.
The Portal
The Astronomical Clock
- S'anime à 12h, 14h, 15h, 16h
The Stained-Glass Windows
- Luminous expressions of faith
Keystones
As its construction has spanned over 300 years, the Cathedral includes different architectural styles. Therefore, it offers a wide range of keystones and vaults, which reflect the beliefs of builders, for each period. After the Romanesque walls of the choir, the Gothic style spreads out all along the nave and the transept. At that point, builders opted for high structures, in order to get closer to God and to let His light in. The scenery is simple, and the finest details of the keystones are almost hidden from human eyes. In the chapel of the Bourbons, we can see the more recent Flamboyant style, with its sinuous and complex flame-like shapes. In the same chapel, the dropped keystone, truly carved in a lace pattern, illustrates the very technical nature of that style. Hence, it is Man who is pushed to the fore, rather than God. In the end, through its stones, its history and its activity, the Cathedral harmoniously brings together diverse, yet complementary tendencies.
- Keys to understand how the expression of Christian faith has evolved
Paintings
Christians have settled in Lyon since the early centuries of our era. This Christian presence is very important for the city’s heritage. In the Northern transept, we can admire four paintings which work together : representations of St John the Evangelist, St Polycarp, St Pothinus and St Irenaeus. Tradition links these four figures together, through transmission of the faith : each one became the next one’s master. Pothinus and Irenaeus, who were both bishops of Lyon in Antiquity, died as martyrs, at a time when Christians were persecuted. In fact, as they believed in one God, they refused to worship the Roman emperor. The last painting depicts this act of refusal. In the Cathedral, you can find other portraits of believers who gave their lives for the love of Christ. There is a set of thirty-three of these paintings, scattered all around the edifice. Most of them were given by Cardinal Fesch (1763-1839), or stem from collections of the 19th century or even older collections.
Scagliola friezes
It is striking to find, in a French church, such friezes as those placed above the stained-glass windows, as they are typical of the 12th century Italian Renaissance. This decoration seems repetitive, while it is in fact full of visual motifs and surprises. We can notice fantastic or realistic faces, as well as animals, monsters, ancient patterns, etc. Red and white alternate because of the fabrication technique, similar to that used for cameos: white marble is hollowed out to form the background, which is then filled with brown cement. Thus the relief can remain white. These strange friezes are part of the very sophisticated ornamental plan of the choir. It is the most sacred area of the church, as it is central both in the edifice and during the Mass, when it becomes a place to commemorate the Last Supper of Jesus and his companions. This creative and artistic attitude, as an effective mark of sanctity, encourages to think and pray actively.
- A joyful and expressive scenery
Sculpted decorations
Visit the cathedral
To discover the cathedral, its history, its architecture, its stained glass windows... the Pastoral Department of Tourism of the Diocese of Lyon organizes visits on request.
To request a visit, please complete the online form..
Volunteer guides may also be in the cathedral on Saturdays and Sundays, from 2:30pm to 5:30pm, depending on their availability.
For more information, contact the Pastorale du tourisme by email at tourisme@lyon.catholique.fr or by phone at (+33) 04 78 81 48 81 (preferably in the morning, Monday to Friday).
For all
Free entrance
Accessible to people with reduced mobility
Luggage under your supervision
Opening hours
Monday › Friday: 8:15am › 7:45pm
Saturday: 8:15am › 7pm
Sunday: 8am › 7pm
January 1, Easter Monday, May 1, May 8, Pentecost Monday, July 14 and November 11: closed in the morning, opening at 1pm
Hours of masses
Lundi › Samedi : 9h
Friday at 7pm
Sunday and holidays: 8:30am and 10:30am (solemn mass)
Lauds : Mon › Sat at 8:40am
Come on foot
The cathedral is located in the heart of the Vieux Lyon district, along the Saône, 10 minutes walk from Place Bellecour
Coming by public transport
Metro D, funiculars, buses 27 and 31, vélov
Stop at “Vieux Lyon, Cathédrale Saint-Jean”
Car park
LPA Saint Jean (at 146 meters)
Saint-Georges (at 203 meters)
Saint-Jean (at 237 meters)
© 2022