L'église Saint-Martin

Medieval Priory In the Middle Ages, as early as the 11th century, writings mention a priory in Rouans (Rotohenge) founded by the monks of the Saint-Serge abbey in Angers. It was at this time that the first church, dedicated to Saint Martin, bishop of Tours, was built. A 19th-century painted wooden statue of him stands in the choir of the present-day church. The second church, built later, dates back to the 17th century. It was in danger of falling into ruin by the end of the 19th century. In April 1893, it was decided to build a new church, and the purchase of the land followed. Highlights of Saint-Martin church The foundation stone was blessed in 1901. On April 10, 1904, the first high mass was held, with the blessing of Émile Rouard, Bishop of Nantes. The church was built in the flamboyant Gothic style by Nantes architect Joseph Nau, grandson of the famous diocesan architect Théodore Nau. The stained glass windows were installed in 3 stages: in April 1929, when the church celebrated its 25th anniversary, eleven windows were blessed: those in the choir (depicting the life of Saint Martin of Tours) and those in the chapels. in March 1942, the large flamboyant rose window was installed by Félix Razin, a master glassmaker from Nantes. It is imposing in its colors and dimensions. in 1955, the five stained glass windows of the large northeast skylight were installed. The baptismal font, which stood in the former church, dates from the 18th century. The gilded metal reliquary, dating from 1950, contains the relics of Anne Françoise Moreau. A local girl born in Rouans in April 1866, she became a nun and was martyred in China in July 1900, along with six other Franciscan Missionaries of Mary. She was beatified in 1946 (Blessed Marie de Saint-Just) and canonized on October 1, 2000 by Pope John Paul II. The 600 kg "Justine" bell of the former church of Rouans replaced that of the previous place of worship. The latter had "died while ringing for the commemoration of the dead" on All Saints' Day. Justine was donated by Mme Maudit du Plessix, a generous donor living in the Château de la Vignauderie. To consult the mass schedule of the Sainte Anne - Françoise en Retz parish: click here The parish of Sainte Anne - Françoise en Retz comprises eight churches: Saint-Mars-de-Coutais, Port-Saint-Père, Rouans, Vue, Sainte-Pazanne, Saint-Hilaire-de-Chaléons, Arthon-en-Retz and Chéméré.