The Foyer de la Madeleine, a haven of warmth and kindness, has become a cherished destination for many. This welcoming space embodies a true spirit of community, fueled by the generous dedication of volunteers.
The Foyer is more than just a place to enjoy a modestly priced meal. The parish priest envisions it as a place of fellowship and brotherly love. It is a sanctuary where people can connect, share their stories, and feel a sense of belonging.
To further enhance this welcoming environment, a priest is now available to offer a listening ear to anyone who needs it. He creates a safe and confidential space for those seeking guidance and understanding. This embodies the church’s commitment to providing more than just physical sustenance; it offers solace for the soul.
The tradition of free meals for the less fortunate continues, with a “solidarity” price option to help sustain this act of kindness. This echoes the core message of the Gospel: to welcome and comfort those in need.
Expanding the Reach of Compassion: Beyond the Foyer
Since 2001, the outreach of the parish has extended beyond the Foyer and its library. The Ozanam-Madeleine reception center, nestled beneath the Tronchet stairs, offers vital services to the marginalized and underprivileged. Here, individuals can find a moment of respite, accessing showers, laundry facilities, warm beverages, and emergency clothing.
This expansion exemplifies the Foyer’s unwavering dedication to service and shared humanity. The Foyer seamlessly integrates into these activities, reaffirming its commitment to helping those in need.
A Century of Caring: From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving Community
The Foyer’s journey reflects a rich history of compassion, spanning over a century and a half. From humble beginnings, this vital resource has evolved into a beacon of hope for the community, serving over 300 meals daily.
But how did the Foyer de la Madeleine come to be? It’s a story that stretches back to the consecration of Sainte-Madeleine church in 1845. The story of the Foyer’s growth is intertwined with the evolving landscape of charitable endeavors.
The Second Empire marked a period of emerging philanthropic movements, with lay people taking a more active role in supporting the less fortunate. Empress Eugénie, inspired by the ideals of Napoleon III to combat poverty, initiated a series of initiatives to aid the impoverished. These included workshops, clothing distribution, and meal deliveries. This last endeavor laid the foundation for the Foyer, evolving over the years to take on different forms.
A Tapestry of Compassion: From Midinettes to a Modern Day Haven
During a time of economic prosperity, the Faubourg Saint Honoré district saw a surge in high-end boutiques and ateliers, employing a large number of young women. The same organizers who spearheaded earlier charitable efforts created a welcoming space for these young women, providing them with meals and a sense of community in the same downstairs rooms.
This space became known as the “midinette’s cauldron,” where women could warm up meals they brought from home. As the influx of people seeking work in the city grew, more parishes joined the “midday work” movement.
The years passed, marked by war and periods of reconstruction. While specific events may be lost to history, the tradition of offering charity within the church’s downstairs rooms continued. The space offered solace and sustenance to the isolated and vulnerable.
Embracing the Spirit of Change: From Soup Kitchens to a Dedicated Association
The events of 1968 witnessed the church opening its gates to those seeking a peaceful place for lunch. A kitchen was already in place, utilized by volunteers who delivered meals to those in need. The parish priest, recognizing this growing need, joined forces with laypeople to establish the Foyer de la Madeleine association in April 1969. This association, directly linked to the parish, served as a tangible expression of the “service to others” ethos, following the example of the apostles.
The Foyer quickly grew, with the addition of a chef, dishwashing staff, and meal distribution personnel. The organization, encompassing these individuals, currently numbers eight dedicated individuals.
A Collaboration for Change: The Refettorio Paris and the Foyer de La Madeleine
Since March 2018, the Foyer de la Madeleine has welcomed Refettorio Paris, which provides free evening meals from Monday to Friday for those in need.
Refettorii, with existing locations in Milan, Rio, and London, were established by renowned Italian chef Massimo Bottura and his Food for Soul team. Bottura, a passionate advocate against food waste, utilizes his expertise and influence to serve these communities.
Like its counterparts, Refettorio Paris, through its partnerships with sponsors, endeavors to:
- Recycle surplus food from large retailers
- Transform food into delicious and nourishing meals
- Create a welcoming and enriching environment
A Mission of Love: The Heart of the Foyer
The Foyer de la Madeleine, a non-profit organization governed by the 1901 Law, is dedicated to its mission, as clearly stated in its articles of association:
- To offer meals to those in need.
- To create a place of warmth and compassion.
- To foster a sense of community and belonging.
This is the core of the Foyer’s mission, woven into the fabric of the Sainte-Madeleine parish. This mission speaks to the heart of the church’s spiritual and charitable values, offering a beacon of hope and a place where all are welcome.
