Room 13: Father Chevrier’s room and museum
The address of the The Historic Prado House is at the 13 Rue Père Chevrier in the 7th arrondissement of Lyon in the neighbourhood of La Guillotière. You will therefore often hear people refer to «the 13». This is, in fact, the name used by members of the Prado family. «The 13» is the Prado, the place where Antoine Chevrier indeed founded his Organisation.
The Prado family welcomes you to these places steeped in a unique history – that of Blessed Father Antoine Chevrier. Step back in time and discover his life dedicated to serving poor children, as well as the places that bear his lasting mark. The tour focuses on three key aspects of Father Chevrier’s life:
- The bedroom where he lived and passed away on 2 October 1879 in the most dramatic of circumstances.
- The museum which traces the key stages of his life and work. Follow in the footsteps of Pope John Paul II, who visited this space, which houses numerous artefacts from the period, including writings by Antoine Chevrier. You cannot fail to be moved by his letters, his commentaries on the Gospel or his now indispensable book, « The True Disciple ». This work, which he wrote for the training of his priests, is a true legacy in which we discover the strength of his vocation and the richness of his spiritual experience in the service of the most disadvantaged.
The Prado Chapel, formerly a ballroom
The Prado Chapel, « »Our Lady of Sorrows’ , where Father Chevrier began his work of faith formation for children and young people, was in 1860. The wooden columns are, in fact, the original ones and had already been supporting the former building – a ballroom and cabaret – which Father Antoine Chevrier first rented and then bought a few years later to house his young charges, most of whom were vagrants.
This is how the Prado appears today to those who visit it on a pilgrimage. Indeed, many pilgrims pray at the tomb of Blessed Anthony, invoking him as an intercessor with the Lord to help them in their daily lives, sustained by the graces they have asked for and received.
From September to June, Masses are celebrated at the Prado Chapel :
- The Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays à 8 am,
- The Fridays à 6.00 pm,
- The Sundays à 9.00 am.
Entrance via the 9 Rue Père Chevrier – Lyon 7.