The best road cycling routes around Olivet

The patronage of this church has been entrusted to Saint Simeon, who is mentioned in the New Testament. According to the biblical account by Luke, he and the prophetess Anna were the two people present in the Temple in Jerusalem forty days after the birth of Jesus Christ, when Mary and Joseph—following Jewish custom—entered the Temple with their firstborn son and an offering (two doves). The Evangelist records the following prayer on the occasion of this encounter between the elderly Simeon and Jesus as the promised Messiah: "Now, Lord, you are releasing your servant in peace, according to your word. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel." (Luke 2:29-32)

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.”

The Morfelon pond is a small lake surrounded by a botanical trail, a sports complex and a picnic area. L’Étang de Morfelon is a hidden gem that offers a peaceful and enjoyable experience for nature lovers.

This belvedere offers a breathtaking view of the Château de Villiers, a medieval castle dating from the 15th century and belonging to the same family for over 300 years. You can also admire the Valley of Ponds, a natural site which includes three ponds and rich biodiversity.

This lake on the banks of the Mayenne is a fantastic place for hiking. You will find hiking trails all around the lake itself and for more interest you can look for the ardens where you will find a vegetable patch.

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This church has existed since at least the 9th century, but it got its current appearance in the 12th century, when Benedictines set up a priory there. The nuns left Avesnières during the Hundred Years War and the church then became a simple parish church again. It was elevated to the rank of minor basilica in 1898 by Pope Leo XIII.