In Dole, a photo competition on the sacred affects a new audience in the Saint-Jean-l’Evangelist parish

“A beautiful photo, it marks,” says Don Christophe Granville, before continuing: “A beautiful Christian photo, it evangelizes. May your shots be able to touch hearts by highlighting the beauty of faith. All smiles, the parish priest of the Saint-Jean-l’Evangelist church, in Dole (Jura), presented himself with his Galby parakeet in a video on Instagram.

The priest of the Saint-Martin community lent himself with the enthusiasm that characterizes him at the social media game to launch, in March 2025, the second edition of his Christian photography competition, with the enthusiasm aroused the previous year. “Everything went so fast,” he admits.

Arrived in September 2023 in Dole to take charge of the Saint-Jean-l’Evangelist church, the thirties of Vendée origin has regained a taste for photography. “When I was in the seminar, I was responsible for taking pictures. I revealed myself particularly bad: I had no sense of composition, admits Don Christophe Granville in a laugh. Thanks to my meetings in Dole, I not only reconciled with photography, but I have fed on this new ministry a real passion. »»

The young parish priest owes it in particular to Henri Bertrand, a parishioner accustomed to shots during celebrations.

Curious

And this passion, Don Christophe Granville wished to share it by launching, in July 2024, a competition of Christian photos. More than fifty amateur and professional photographers from the region answered the call. A traveling exhibition in the parishes of the Jura – via the diocesan house – currently allows you to discover the selected shots.

In April 2025, the Saint-Jean-l’Evangelist church welcomed them in turn. What delight Marie-Christine Poige, the president of the Association of Friends of Saint-Jean. In July and August, she offers guided tours of this jewel of contemporary heritage. “This is an opportunity to attract curious people out of summer,” she rejoices. Work of architect Anton Korady, the place of worship, which has just celebrated its 60th anniversary, deserves the detour.

Among the photos exhibited, one in black and white signed Patrick Dorchies attracts attention. “During the Cirque & Fanfares festival, during the Pentecost weekend, I captured this scene: a woman perched on the shoulders of her companion, both looking in the same direction. In the background, we can see the college of Dole, ”says this retired dentist, who never goes out without his camera.

By winning the first prize 2024, Patrick Dorchies was joined the jury of the second edition of the photo competition, alongside Mgr Jean-Luc Garin, bishop of Saint-Claude, and professionals such as photographer Jean-Christophe Ballot. These two personalities have thus renewed their confidence in this operation.

Meet the other

This year, for more visibility, the competition is baptized Sacred photo And opens to candidates from all over France. What is more, it now revolves around five categories: heritage, with the theme bells and bells of our churches; sacraments, with black and white wedding shots; Life of parishes, to illustrate united and fraternal life; beauty of creation, around animals and plants of the Bible; And finally photo taken only by smartphone, with the theme of the pilgrimage.

Participants have until August 15 to submit their images on the competition website. On November 11, 2025, the ten finalists will be revealed. Their works will be presented during a new traveling exhibition, before decorating the walls of the Marian sanctuary of Mièges (Jura).

Until then, Don Christophe Granville, in collaboration with Don Xavier Camus – nicknamed “Le Rachaï” -, the referent priest of the Travelers; Works on another project: the implementation of literacy courses. On April 10, before the weekly prayer vigil began, representatives of this community exchanged with voluntary parishioners to offer their help. And while Galby, the parakeet, diverted the assembly, the project already seemed to be well launched to materialize at the start of the school year.

At the Saint-Jean-l’Evangelist church, each year seems to carry its share of initiatives to meet the other … far from the clichés!