Saint Devota (died c. 303 AD) is the patron saint of Corsica and Monaco. She was killed during the persecutions of the Roman emperors Diocletian and Maximian. Her feast day is January 27.
Saint Devote, patron saint of Corsica and Monaco
Tradition has it that she was a Corsican woman born around 283 AD in Mariana. As a young virgin, she had decided to devote herself fully to the service of God. Devota was part of the household of Senator Eutychius.
During the persecution of Diocletian, the prefect Barbarus arrived in Corsica with a fleet and when he learned that the senator was harboring a Christian woman in his house, demanded that she be abandoned and forced to perform the sacrifice required for the imperial cult. Eutychius refused, and not wishing to confront him directly, Barbarus arranged to have him poisoned. Devota was imprisoned and tortured for her faith. Her mouth was crushed and her body dragged through rocks and thorns. She was martyred at Mariana by being tortured or stoned to death.
After his death, the governor of the province ordered his body burned to prevent his veneration. However, he was saved from the flames by the Christians. His body was placed on a ship bound for Africa. Gratianus (Graziano), the ship's pilot; Benedict (Benenato), a priest; and Apollinaris, his deacon; believed that he would receive a proper Christian burial there. However, a storm overtook the ship. A dove appeared and guided the ship to present-day Les Gaumates, now part of the Principality of Monaco, where a chapel dedicated to Saint George stood.
In his honor, a chapel was built, which still stands in Monaco. Traditionally, it is said that flowers bloom before their season on January 27, the saint's feast day.
His cult became important for Monaco and the Grimaldis. Since 1874, custom has it that on the eve of his feast, a symbolic fishing boat is brought in procession into Port-Hercule and set on fire outside the church of Sainte Dévote. A fireworks display follows, illuminating Port-Hercule.
On January 27, Mass is celebrated in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. It is followed by a Solemn Procession of the Relics, to ask for the protection of the Royal Family and the Principality. Receptions at the Monte Carlo Opera also take place.
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Today, Monegasques celebrate Sainte Dévote. Mass is celebrated at Notre-Dame de l’Immaculate Conception Cathedral. It is followed by a Solemn Procession of Relics, to request the protection of the Royal Family and the Principality. #mythology #myth #legend #calendar #January 27 #saintedevo #monaco
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