A work of art and a labor of love, the Little Chapel is possibly the smallest chapel in the world. It was built by Brother Déodat, a Benedictine monk, who started work in March 1914. His plan was to create a miniature version of the famous grotto and basilica at Lourdes in France. The first two he created, he ended up tearing down. The first one everyone thought was too small. The second one was torn down after a visiting bishop couldn't make it through the front door.
In late 1923, Brother Deodat set about the construction of a third chapel - which is the one there today. The building operation proved laborious. Day after day he collected pebbles and broken china to decorate the shrine. The Little Chapel became famous, thanks to an illustrated article in the Daily Mirror. Islanders brought colored china to Les Vauxbelets; the Lieutenant-Governor offered a remarkable mother-of-pearl; presents poured in from around the world.
It is a beautiful chapel, a true jewel, and the stations of the cross outside are worth a walk through too. Here are a few pictures from the chapel. Plus a few from the main church at St. Peter Port which is currently under extensive renovation. It is a lovely church as well.
Wow, what a beautiful and interesting chapel.
ReplyDeleteLoved the slide show accompanied by one of my favorite songs !!
Annie