Prince Albert II visited Faucon-du-Caire in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence for the consecration of a restored chapel, strengthening a new spiritual and historical link between the village and Monaco…
The chapel, which now bears the names of Saint Devota and Saint John of Matha, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Abandoned for around a century after lightning struck its bell tower in 1930, causing the stone vault to collapse, the building had been reduced largely to ruined walls, rubble and vegetation.
Its revival was driven by a local association and a team of volunteers, who spent two years rebuilding the chapel stone by stone, despite having neither original plans nor photographs to guide them.
Prince Albert attended the inauguration and unveiling of an information panel before a religious ceremony during which relics of Saint Devota and Saint John of Matha were presented. The restored chapel was blessed and its first Mass celebrated, with proceedings also shown on a large outdoor screen.
For Monaco, the dedication carries particular significance. Saint Devota is the Principality’s patron saint, and Prince Albert welcomed the opportunity for her story and spiritual legacy to extend beyond Monaco’s borders.
The visit concluded with music and a gathering bringing together residents, officials and the volunteers responsible for returning the long-forgotten chapel to life.
Image: Monaco Info