The Prado spiritual family and the diocese of Lyon invite you to (re)discover the figure of Mgr Alfred Ancel (1898-1984), auxiliary bishop of Lyon from 1947 to 1973. Don't miss the exhibition " A bishop from Lyon in his century " to the Basilica of Saint Bonaventure (7, place des Cordeliers - Lyon 2th).
The exhibition organised as part of theyear Alfred Ancel, will be accessible to all of the sSaturday 14 September 2024 up to and including Thursday 31 October 2024.
Visit scanning the QR Code in the bottom right-hand corner of each panel, you can find out even more on different stages in the life of Mgr Alfred Ancel.
If you are unable to attend, please contact us.ou can click on the links " details "or on visuals of panels below. Le button " START THE VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE ALFRED ANCEL EXHIBITION "You'll also be able to move from one panel to another as you read.
- Chronological references - Bibliography, details ;
- Childhood, youth and war, details ;
- In Rome, as a brilliant seminarian, he discovered Antoine Chevrier, details ;
- Theologian and professor of philosophy, details ;
- Auxiliary Bishop of Lyon, details ;
- Superior General of the Prado, details ;
- An active participant in the Second Vatican Council, details ;
- The pradosian family, details ;
- O become saints, details ;
- A demanding dialogue with the French Communist Party, details ;
- Alfred Ancel and young people in difficulty, details ;
- Serving migrants, details ;
- The end of life, details.
See also :
- Alfred Ancel working at Gerland, click here.
- Some memories of Mgr Alfred ANCEL, an employee of Etablissements T. DAVID from 1954 to 1959 (Interview by Pierre David in 1984, on the death of Mgr Ancel, with his father, François David, head of the company that hired him at the end of 1954), click here.
- Alfred Ancel and the worker priests (per Francis Gayrala retired priest-worker from Prado and the diocese of Albi), click here.
L'official opening of the exhibition which took place Saturday 14 September at 5 p.m. was followed by 6 p.m. with a conference "The Pastoral Charity of Father Ancel proposed by Antonio BRAVOformer Superior General of the Secular Institute of the Priests of Prado. To read his speech, click here.
A host of other events are also on offer as part of theYear Alfred Ancel, Find out more.
2025 marks an exceptional event: the 100 years from Father Alexis HopitalPrado priest, a humble and committed witness to a Church that is close to the poorest.
Born on 14 February 1925ordained priest on 25 March 1950he joined the Prado in 1951 (temporary appointment on 03 July 1951, then perpetual appointment on 03 July 1954). Alexis Hopital has devoted his life to proclaiming the Gospel in the most humble of circumstances. For more than twenty years, alongside Father André Durget, he ministered in the working-class parishes of Voujeaucourt, Bart, Bavans, Dampierre and Berche, in one of the most disadvantaged areas of the Montbéliard region.
Visit 1966he became the the first working-class priest in the diocese of BesançonHe worked as a labourer in a public works company in L'Isle-sur-le-Doubs. His commitment to the world of the workers reflects a deep desire to share in the lives and struggles of those whom the Church must reach out to.
Visit 1973Prado called him to join the formation of priests and seminarianswhile continuing to work part-time as a cleaner in a hostel for young workers. At the end of his term of office as head of Prado de France, Georges Arnold asked him to take over as editor of the magazine QPN - Someone Among UsThis is a continuation of its mission of reflection and transmission.
1990 marks official recognition of its missionary roots in Lyon. A agreement was signed by the Bishop of Belfort-Montbéliard, Eugène Lecrosnier, and Cardinal Albert Decourtray. It emphasises that his presence in Lyon is a gift to the local Church, especially to those who keep their distance but are trying, in their own way, to build up bits of it. This commitment is confirmed in 2014 by Mgr Claude Schockert and approved by Cardinal Barbarin.
Today, at 100 yearsFather Alexis Hopital remains an inspiring figure in Prado and the Church in Lyon. His life is a living testimony to evangelical fidelity, service to the most humble and a deep-rooted commitment to mission.
The whole Prado family wishes you happy anniversary to Father Alexis.
Journey of the Exhibition Mgr Alfred ANCEL...
The exhibition is available to parishes, services, movements and associations wishing to host it. Please do not hesitate to contact the fathers. Michel Durand and Guy Rougerie of the Institute of the Priests of Prado. You can also contact secretariat which will record your bookings (per e-mail or to 04 78 72 70 66).
To download the booking calendar to date, click on the image below.
To date, the exhibition has already covered a great many kilometres. Here are the main stages of its journey:
- September/October 2024 - Basilica of Saint Bonaventure (Lyon 2)
- December 2024 - Espace Saint Ignace (Lyon 2), At the Prado (Lyon 7) and Saint-Etienne until mid-January 2025
- March 2025 - UCLy Faculty of Theology (Lyon 2) and Gueret (Creuse), not to mention a stint at theEnsemble paroissial Chanoine Boursier (Villeurbanne),
- April 2025 Aubusson (Creuse), Basilica of Saint-Michel-des-Lions (Haute-Vienne) then to the St Etienne's Cathedral, Limoges (Haute-Vienne)
- May 2025 Saint Irénée seminary (Lyon 5) then at the Crypt of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière (Lyon 5).
- August 2025 - Sanctuary of Notre-Dame de la Roche (Les Sauvages - Rhône).
To find out more about voyage of the exhibition in Creuse and Haute-Vienne (from 24 March to 22 April 2025), read the extract from the Limousin family newspaper "Le Sillon (April 2025) - " Mgr Alfred Ancel: a spiritual revolution " by Jean Philippe Tizon (Pradosian and permanent deacon). You can also consult theonline news.
Below are a few photos of theexhibition Mgr Alfred ANCEL in Limoges.
Below are a few photos of theinauguration of the exhibition Mgr Alfred ANCEL and conference " Pastoral Charity of Alfred Ancel" by the Father Antonio BRAVO. Saturday 14 September 2024 at the Basilique Saint Bonaventure (Lyon).
