2e REI: New chapel nears completion | French Foreign Legion Information

Within the French Armed Forces, the Foreign Legion is known as a corps that has traditionally maintained a strong conservative and Christian spirit. So it was no surprise when the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment (2e REI) launched, in 2021, a fund-raising campaign to create a new chapel for its legionnaires. After several years, the construction of the chapel is nearing completion.

Prior to 2021, the 2e REI had no real chapel. So its command decided to create “a new space of cohesion and tradition, for regimental celebrations, and of remembrance, for fallen comrades.” Thanks to the solidarity of its benefactors, the regiment has given a second life to an old building, a former 19th-century stable, located within the 2e REI barracks. The renovation required over €400,000 (over US$400,000).

Today, the chapel’s construction nears completion. All that’s left to do is a nice, simple, and dignified liturgical setting that reflects the spirit of the legionnaire. That’s why the 2e REI has launched yet another fund-raising campaign for its supporters. For those interested, here is the link: UNE CHAPELLE POUR LE 2e REI.

The chapel is named in honor of Saint Charles de Foucauld, a priest who took care of the 2e REI legionnaires wounded in the 1903 Battle of El Moungar in southern Algeria. The battle is commemorated annually within the regiment.

2e REI - chapel - Nimes - Foreign Legion - 2021 — 2e REI’s future chapel in 2021…

2e REI - chapel - Nimes - Foreign Legion - 2024 — 2e REI’s chapel today, in late 2024…

2e REI - chapel - Nimes - Foreign Legion - 2025 — 2e REI’s chapel after completion (2025)…

2e REI - chapel - Nimes - Foreign Legion - 2020s — 2e REI’s future chapel inside the regimental barracks…

A video dedicated to the future chapel, presented by the liturgical setting’s designer, Ms. Fleur Nabert:

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