A Chapel Built for Pestilence

Eluiza and I were driving from Lyon to Le Puy, and we stopped at a little 17th century chapel near St. Chamond and St. Julien that is sited in the middle of nowhere. It turned out to be a chapel for those people of this area who contracted a virus that resulted in an epidemic in south-central France. In just one month (September 1628) over 250 people died. The only solution at the time was to sequester those who contracted the illness, so they were transported to this area called a "fay". 

These very sick people lived in cabins--isolated--but they were given alms and provided with care by Capuchin monks. At one point the monks led by Fr. Edouard decided to work with the men of the area to build this small, modest, but venerable chapel so that the sick could more easily hear the  Mass. The chapel was dedicated to St. Roch, the saint of healing in times of pestilence and contagious disease. 

Eluiza and I probably wouldn't have been that interested in this chapel had we not recently lived through the Covid pandemic that was a worldwide event. It is yet another example of how history comes alive.

As the written history of the chapel indicated, the building represents one of the rare monuments of a French church that escaped the "devastating hand of man" so that we can still see it today and learn of its history. It is after all a part of the French heritage, which is revered. The government even appoints a national historian who is a frequent host on TV historical programs. 

And this is precisely why I have loved living in France: history is everywhere! But despite their interest in history, the French don't live in the past. They are a modern people who rely on technology for everything, care about climate change, and wear jeans, t-shirts, and athletic shoes. However, they appreciate history because it witnesses their heritage and gives them an identity. I'd say that's an important part of living as a citizen of a modern nation.

After the pestilence ended, the priests of St. Julien continued to celebrate Mass during the Rogations (days of prayer, fasting, processions).

Since 1901, the chapel has belonged to an association that renovates, maintains and gives it life by organizing religious and cultural events throughout the year.

The chapel was locked, but we were able to take a peek of the chapel's interior through a barricaded window.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A view of the back of the chapel.