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The cathedral (i.e., a bishop's church) in Laval was not dedicated to one of the many people we venerate as saints, but rather, the ONE God in THREE Persons – God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God's Holy Spirit – was chosen as its patron saint. Father Reinhard Körner writes about the mystery of the Holy Trinity: + "Among the great prayer-givers in the history of Christianity... I found prayer texts in which each of the divine Three was explicitly addressed – in the same prayer. When I tried to recite the texts, I could sense that these people had not only individually envisioned God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit – they were addressing a divine community. And it seemed to me that they could only do this in their written prayers because they also did so otherwise, quietly in their hearts."

This church was not dedicated to one of the many people who died as martyrs (witnesses to their faith) for their Christian beliefs, or whom we venerate as blessed or saints because of their exemplary lives. Rather, this parish has chosen God himself – in the "Holy Trinity" – as its patron saint. According to Christian doctrine, we believe in ONE God, who exists in THREE persons – God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. The following description can be found on the EKD (Evangelical Church in Germany) website: + “The word attempts to express the seemingly impossible, namely that God is simultaneously three and one. To understand this, it helps to consider how people have experienced God throughout history: as a Creator who loves his world and humanity like a father loves his children. As a God who himself became human in Jesus Christ, his Son, and shared human life. And finally, as a God who is still present and alive among people in the Holy Spirit.”

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superb greenway along the Mayenne

Great old railway bridge over the river

easy and beautiful route

In the heart of the picturesque village of Deux-Évailles, nestled in the department of Mayenne, sits the Saint-Martin Church, a true jewel of architectural and spiritual heritage. This church, which has gracefully survived the centuries, is much more than a simple place of worship; it embodies the rich and eventful history of the region. The history of Saint-Martin Church dates back to the Middle Ages, a time when the Christian faith was the pillar of daily life. The first traces of the church date back to the 12th century, when it was erected. Over the centuries, it has undergone transformations, renovations and additions which bear witness to the evolution of Gothic architecture and the importance of religion in society. During the French Revolution, the church witnessed major upheavals. Like many other religious buildings, it has been affected by acts of vandalism and has been used for secular purposes. Despite these trials, Saint-Martin Church survived and was restored in the 19th century, preserving its legacy for future generations. The Saint-Martin Church is distinguished by its remarkable architecture, mixing Romanesque and Gothic elements. The imposing facade, adorned with delicate sculptures, welcomes visitors with timeless elegance. The pointed vaults inside the church create an effect of grandeur and harmony, emphasizing the skill of the craftsmen who contributed to its construction. The majestic bell tower rises above the village, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Its imposing presence testifies to the central place occupied by the church in community life, both as a place of worship and as a visual landmark.

Road sign by the cemetery.