Avalon
Heir Apparent
- Joined
- Nov 21, 2005
- Messages
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- City
- Yerevan
- Country
- Armenia
Celebration of the Saint Devote - 2007-01-27
Prince Albert of Monaco at the celebration of the Saint Devote. The legend of Devote, the country's patron saint and founder, is a cherished part of Monegasque heritage. Every year on 26 January a torchlit ceremony is held for her at the Church of St Devote. According to the tradition, a small boat is set alight on the harbour, by the "Vallon des Gaumattes", with the participation of the Grimaldi family. This very symbolic celebration can be explained thanks to the story of Sainte Devote. She was most certainly born in Corsica, in the year 283 A.D.; she was hounded and tortured because of her Christian faith. When her wounded body was being burnt at the stake, confessors of the faith snatched it away and escaped by boat with the intention of going to Africa. Unfortunately, the winds were not favourable and the sailors fell asleep. A dream instructed them to continue their journey and follow a dove. They finally arrived near Monachon, in the "Vallon Gannates" (Vallon des Gaumattes) where the body of the martyr was laid to rest. Subsequently, a few miracles occurred, people spread the news and Devote became the Patron Saint of Monaco.
Pictures (first day):
Prince Albert
Prince Albert 2
Prince Albert 3
Prince Albert 4
Second day:
Prince Albert
Prince Albert 2
more pictures here (1st day).
and here (2nd day).
Prince Albert of Monaco at the celebration of the Saint Devote. The legend of Devote, the country's patron saint and founder, is a cherished part of Monegasque heritage. Every year on 26 January a torchlit ceremony is held for her at the Church of St Devote. According to the tradition, a small boat is set alight on the harbour, by the "Vallon des Gaumattes", with the participation of the Grimaldi family. This very symbolic celebration can be explained thanks to the story of Sainte Devote. She was most certainly born in Corsica, in the year 283 A.D.; she was hounded and tortured because of her Christian faith. When her wounded body was being burnt at the stake, confessors of the faith snatched it away and escaped by boat with the intention of going to Africa. Unfortunately, the winds were not favourable and the sailors fell asleep. A dream instructed them to continue their journey and follow a dove. They finally arrived near Monachon, in the "Vallon Gannates" (Vallon des Gaumattes) where the body of the martyr was laid to rest. Subsequently, a few miracles occurred, people spread the news and Devote became the Patron Saint of Monaco.
Pictures (first day):
Prince Albert
Prince Albert 2
Prince Albert 3
Prince Albert 4
Second day:
Prince Albert
Prince Albert 2
more pictures here (1st day).
and here (2nd day).
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