Monaco, 26th and 27th January
The History and Legend
In Corsica, at the beginning of the 4th century, the Roman emperor Diocletian ordered a violent persecution against the Christians. Among the victims was a young Christian woman, Dévote, who was arrested, imprisoned, and tortured. She died without ever renouncing her faith. After her death, the governor ordered to burn her body, but some Christians managed to save it and placed it on a boat bound for Africa, where she could receive a proper Christian burial.
However, during the journey, a violent storm struck the boat. A dove, which emerged from Dévote’s mouth, miraculously guided the boat to Monaco, where it ran aground in the Gaumates valley (the current site of the Church of Sainte Dévote) around 27th January. Many faithful came to pray at her tomb, and the first miracles were recorded.
Later, a man stole the relics of the Saint, intending to profit from them. He was quickly stopped by a group of fishermen who pursued and captured the thief with just a few strokes of their oars. The thief’s boat was burned on the beach as an act of penance.
According to tradition, in the 16th century, during a war against the Genoese and the Pisans, Sainte Dévote protected Monaco from enemies besieging the fortress. For over six months, the attacks were repelled by the Monegasques, reassured by the Saint’s apparition, promising divine protection and victory. On 15th March 1507, the Genoese abandoned the siege.
Since 1924, every evening on 26th January, a boat is burned in memory of these events.
Program for the Feast of Sainte Dévote
A rich program of celebrations and traditions has been organized for 26th and 27th January:
Sunday, 26th January
- 10:30 AM: Traditional Monegasque Mass at the Church of Sainte Dévote.
- 6:30 PM: Procession of the Saint’s Relics, arriving by sea at the port, with the participation of Archbishop Paul-Richard Gallagher (Secretary for Relations with the States of the Secretariat of State), Archbishop Martin Krebs (Apostolic Nuncio to Monaco), Archbishop Dominique Marie David (Archbishop of Monaco), Italian Ambassador Manuela Ruosi, Sovereign Order of Malta Ambassador Alberto di Luca, the President of the Council, and numerous authorities and faithful.
- 7:00 PM: Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at the Church of Sainte Dévote, attended by the Princely Family.
- 7:45 PM: Traditional burning of the boat, lit by the Princely Family.
Monday, 27th January
- 10:00 AM: Pontifical Mass at the Cathedral of Monaco, presided by Archbishop Paul-Richard Gallagher. The Princely Family, the Prince’s Government, the Ambassadors of France and the Order of Malta, as well as elected assemblies and other authorities, were present alongside many faithful.
- 6:30 PM: Spiritual concert by the candle, “Mozart in Monaco”, performed by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Feast of Sainte Dévote represents a moment of deep spirituality and identity for the Principality of Monaco, celebrated each year with great devotion.