The chapel of the former Jesuit convent of Aleppo in Syria, winner of the Grand Prix Pèlerin du Patrimoine

“This chapel represents the beating heart of the building built in 1881 and 75% destroyed during the Syrian civil war. We want to rehabilitate this convent into a center which will bear the name “Domus sapientiae” (“Domus sapientiae”).The house of wisdom“). Its main function will consist of welcoming the elderly, with a pavilion for old priests.

There will also be a kindergarten; a dispensary which will provide care to the poor in the neighborhood; a room for cultural and religious activities; a study room… The chapel will be used daily by elderly priests, but also by groups of scouts, young people and adults and for spiritual training sessions.

Thanks to this Distinction for Christian Heritage in Danger, awarded by the French Foundation of the Order of Malta, Bachir and Nimat Badawi, two experienced artists from Aleppo, will paint the icons which will decorate the chapel.

Trained partly in Italy, they are mainly influenced by Byzantine art and inspired by today’s life. They will work under the direction of the architect, Sister Hilda Ghazzi, a Carmelite who is helping us a lot with this restoration.

Domus sapientiae also has the vocation of interreligious dialogue with those wishing to prepare a society of mutual respect and listening. I am launching this project for the reconstruction of Aleppo to show that Christians have always been messengers of peace and fraternity. Thank you for your support.”