By The Vincentian Studies Institute, DePaul University
Created by the Vincentian Studies Institute
On January 25, 1617 , the feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Vincent de Paul entered the parish church at Folleville dedicated to St. James the Greater and St. John the Baptist and gave a sermon to the assembled parishioners on the importance of forgiveness for healing lives and healing communities. In addition to its historical significance for the Vincentian tradition, the church’s art, medieval sculpture, tombs, and flamboyant Gothic architecture also make it a noteworthy stop for those interested in the history of art and architecture.
History of the Church at Folleville (2017-01-31) by Vincentian Studies InstituteThe Vincentian Studies Institute, DePaul University
A short video explaining the historical significance of the church to the worldwide Vincentian Community.
Choir Area by Vincentian Studies InstituteThe Vincentian Studies Institute, DePaul University
The choir portion of the church contains three entombment shrines.
Lannoy Tomb, Raoul and His Wife by Vincentian Studies InstituteThe Vincentian Studies Institute, DePaul University
Tomb of Raoul de Lannoy and wife Jeanne la Poix. Sculpted by Antonio della Porta and Pace Gaggini
Lannoy Tomb, Above Detail by Vincentian Studies InstituteThe Vincentian Studies Institute, DePaul University
An elaborate Gothic frame where angels pull back a curtain to reveal the Virgin set within a circlet of the Rosary.
A Closeup of the Rosary detail.
The tomb has sculptures of several saints. Depicted here is St. Anthony.
St. Sebastian, patron saint of archers.
St. Eligius, patron of armorers.
Lannoy Tomb, Pieta DetailThe Vincentian Studies Institute, DePaul University
This pieta is located above the couples head inside the entombment niche.
Lannoy Tomb, Beheading of John the Baptist by Vincentian Studies InstituteThe Vincentian Studies Institute, DePaul University
This sculpture of the beheading of John the Baptist is located at the couple's feet.
Lannoy Tomb Inscriptions by Vincentian Studies InstituteThe Vincentian Studies Institute, DePaul University
The Lannoy coat of arms located on the side of the tomb.
Lannoy Tomb by Vincentian Studies InstituteThe Vincentian Studies Institute, DePaul University
François de Lannoy's tomb.
Side of the Lannoy Tomb by Vincentian Studies InstituteThe Vincentian Studies Institute, DePaul University
A base displays female personifications of the important virtues of Justice, Prudence, Temperance and Fortitude.
Arch DetailThe Vincentian Studies Institute, DePaul University
A Gothic arch over the now empty niche.
Angels display the signs of the passion: The post, the nails and the cross.
Angels display the signs of the passion: The crown of thorns, the whip and the spear.
Entombment Sculpture at Joigny (1600/1625) by Mathieu LaignelThe Vincentian Studies Institute, DePaul University
The original entombment sculpture was located in the church at Folleville and is now on display in Joigny, France.
Christ is laid on a tomb slab. Joseph of Arimathea stands at his head, holding Christ’s crown of thorns and the nails that pierced his hands and feet.
From left to right depictions of Mary Salome, John comforting the Virgin Mary, Mary of Bethany and Mary Magdalene.
At Christ's feet is Nicodemus. He holds the sponge that was used to offer Christ drink.
Stained Glass MuralThe Vincentian Studies Institute, DePaul University
In 1869 the parish added a four- part window to the right of the choir. It depicts the life of St. Vincent de Paul.
The inscriptions in the windows commemorate papal approval of Vincent’s Daughters of Charity in 1633 and the Congregation of the Mission in 1635.
The Architecture of the Church at Folleville (2018-01-31) by Vincentian Studies InstituteThe Vincentian Studies Institute, DePaul University
A short video on the architectural significance of the church.
Folleville Model, wide shot (2017-01-31) by Vincentian Studies InstituteThe Vincentian Studies Institute, DePaul University
The Folleville project sponsored by the Vincentian Studies Institute of DePaul University re-creates the distinctive parish church of Folleville to what scholars believe it would have looked like on that cold and wet January day in 1617.
This spectacular model the result of years of research and created using the latest techniques in 3d printing and traditional hand craftsmanship will be on permanent display at DePaul University’s John T. Richardson Library in Chicago, Illinois.