The Penitents’ Chapel, Chapelle Des Penitents, can be found in the picturesque village of Les Baux-de-Provence.
Chapelle Des Penitents
The chapel is located in the church square near the edge of the cliff which overlooks the Fontaine Valley.
The original chapel was built in the mid 17th century by the Brotherhood of White Penitents who were Roman Catholics and wore white habits. The word penitent means a person who repents their sins or wrongdoings and in the Christian Church, seeks forgiveness from God.
The chapel was restored in 1937 by the Brotherhoods of Langue d’Oc and was dedicated to Saint Estelle who has been asked to watch over the memory of the old penitents from Les Baux.
The chiseled inscription over the door reads, “In nomine Jesu omne genus flectatur” (In the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow).
Yves Brayer
The interior of the chapel was decorated with frescoes by French painter Yves Brayer in 1974.
Monsieur Brayer was known for his paintings of everyday life.
The chapel paintings represent the shepherds’ Christmas in the Provençal tradition.
The paintings are simple but very effective.
In visiting this chapel I was reminded that we all can be simple, yet effective, in giving of ourselves to others.
A simple gift of oneself can make a big difference in another person’s life.
Laura
“A pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life.” ~ Proverbs 13:7
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oooooooo, that looks like a lovely chapel to say a prayer in, Laura. Susan
Another lovely sight. I was familiar with the word penance (the assignment of prayer given after confession in RC ritual), but could have translated the phrase without your help. But I did find an app/game yesterday called 'Duolingo' that will be fun to brush up on some French! It's sort of my version of “if you build it, they will come” – if I work on my French, then perhaps the dream of going there will become closer to becoming a reality. 😉
*could NOT have translated!
Very beautiful.
Hi,
You are amazing. And you speak the word. I love what you said, “A pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life.” ~ Proverbs 13:7 I was going to comment yesterday, but I couldn't. Today I'm visiting again and I love to read your blog. Enjoy your break from France. I will be back as often as you post…
Joyously,
Betty @ My Cozy Corner
My father loved France and one of his favorite things to do was to discover these beautiful small chapels. Just lovely. Ann