Prince Albert II visited the village of Faucon-du-Caire to attend the consecration ceremony of the restored Saint Devote – Saint John of Matha Chapel. The thousand-year-old building is intimately linked to the history of the relics of Saint Devote, patron saint of Monaco.
After lightning struck its bell tower in 1930, the chapel collapsed and was abandoned. Its revival was driven by a local association and a team of volunteers, who spent two years rebuilding the chapel.
Welcomed by Isabelle Tomatis, Prefect of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, the Sovereign first met with volunteers who worked on the renovation of the building. Robert Zunino, Mayor of Faucon-du-Caire, then gave a speech before an information panel dedicated to the history of the site was unveiled, adorned with the French and Monegasque colours. The Prince participated in the presentation of the relics.
“Thanks to the extraordinary commitment to preserving heritage demonstrated by this association and its volunteers, this small chapel, which was in ruins, has been brought back to life and consecrated to Saint Devota and Saint John of Matha. It’s an extraordinary link with the Principality thanks to Saint Devota, and it’s a beautiful way to breathe new life into this little chapel,” said Prince Albert II.
The religious mass was then celebrated by Bishop Emmanuel Gobilliard of Digne, Riez, and Sisteron; Archbishop Dominique-Marie David of Monaco; Father Stéphane Ligier, Vicar General and Parish Priest of Sisteron; Father Urbain Rakotosoa, Prior of the Trinitarian Monastery of Faucon-de-Barcelonnette; and Father Charles Honoré, Chancellor of the Diocese.
In the village of 64 inhabitants, the ceremony drew a large crowd, who viewed the mass broadcast on a giant screen.
