Saint Devota | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Mariana, Corsica |
| Died | c. 303 Mariana, Corsica |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church,Orthodox Church |
| Feast | January 27 |
| Attributes | palm, crown of roses, dove, boat, coat-of-arms of the Principality of Monaco; dead maiden in a boat on the sea with a dove flying ahead of it |
| Patronage | Corsica; Monaco;House of Grimaldi;Mariana, Corsica; mariners |
Devota (French:Sainte Dévote;Corsican:Santa Divota; died ca. 303 AD) is thepatron saint ofCorsica andMonaco. She was killed during the persecutions of theRoman EmperorsDiocletian andMaximian. She is sometimes identified with another Corsican saint namedJulia, who was described inLatin asDeo devota ("devoted to God"). The description was misinterpreted as aproper name.[1] The legend connected with her is similar to those told of other saints of the region, such asReparata[2] andTorpes of Pisa.
Tradition holds that she was aCorsican woman born around 283 AD atMariana in northeastern Corsica. 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 theDiocletian persecution, the prefect Barbarus arrived in Corsica with a fleet and when he learned that the senator was harboring a Christian in his house, demanded that she be given up and compelled to perform the requisite sacrifice to 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. She was martyred at Mariana by beingracked orstoned to death.[3]
After her death, the governor of the province ordered for her body to be burnt to prevent its veneration. However, it was saved from the flames by Christians. Her body was placed on a boat bound forAfrica. Gratianus (Graziano), the boat'spilot; Benedict (Benenato), a priest; and Apollinaris, his deacon; believed it would receive proper Christian burial there. However, a storm overtook the boat. A dove appeared and guided the boat to present-day Les Gaumates, today part of the Principality ofMonaco, where a chapel dedicated toSaint George stood.[4]
In her honor a chapel was built, which stands in Monaco still.[5] Traditionally, flowers are said to bloom before their season on January 27, the saint's feast day.
TheSainte-Dévote Chapel is first mentioned about 1070, belonging to the abbey ofSaint Pons. The chapel was rebuilt and expanded several times. It became a priory in the 13th century and in 1536 was acquired byHonoré I, Lord of Monaco. The chapel became the parish church in 1887.[6]
The "Legend of Saint Devota" is one of the Principality of Monaco's oldest traditions – it has influenced national culture in fields as diverse as religion, folklore and popular beliefs, history, literature, the arts, painting, music, coins and stamps. This legend, passed on through a medieval document, holds a special place in the heart of Monaco's people and over the centuries has been awarded a permanent place in the city's history.[7]Reports of miracles soon sprung in connection with the tomb. During incursions byMoors, Devota's relics were translated to safety at the monastery ofCimiez. They were returned to Monaco, to a church restored much later byAntonio I, prince of Monaco.
In 1070, Antinope, the captain of aFlorentine ship, attempted to steal the reliquary containing Devota's relics. The legend states that a violent wind impeded him from escaping with the relics. Arrested, Ugo Grimaldi ordered his ears and nose to be cut off. Antinope's boat was then burnt on the beach of Monaco.[3]
In the 16th century, Devota was invoked for protection against theGenoese and thePisans. Their ultimate failure to take away the independence of Monaco was attributed to the divine protection of Devota. An end to the outbreak of theplague in 1631 was attributed to Devota, as well as the expulsion of theSpanish on the night of 17 November 1641 agalley taken from the Spanish was rebaptized "Devota." Monégasquecoins bearing the effigy of Devota were issued in the 16th century, beginning in the reign ofHonoré II, Prince of Monaco. During his reign, Devota became the patroness of Monaco.[7]
A series of postage stamps bearing Devota's likeness were issued in 1944 as well as 1992.
However, as theSainte-Dévote Chapel lends its name to the first corner of theCircuit de Monaco, one source has commented that "Saint Devota's name is unfortunately heard on the radio waves solely for theMonaco's Grand Prix Formula 1 for the famous bend of Saint Devota."[8]
Joseph Méry put the legend of Saint Devota into verse. The first book written inMonegasque language by the Monegasque poet,Louis Notari, is entitledA legenda de Santa Devota (The Legend of Saint Devota). It was composed in 1927 and is important because until then theMonégasque language, had been utilized for speech.[9]
Her cult became important to Monaco and the Grimaldis. Since 1874 it has been the custom that on the evening before her feast day a symbolic fishing boat is brought in procession into Port-Hercule and set alight outside the Église Sainte Dévote. This is followed by a fireworks display that lights up Port-Hercule.[7]
On January 27, Mass is celebrated in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception attended by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene. It is followed by a Solemn Procession of the Relics, to request protection for the Royal Family and the Principality. Receptions in theMonte Carlo Opera House also take place.
In 2014 the Monegasque Rugby Federation, in association with the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, organized the Saint Devota Rugby Challenge. Including teams from Spain and Italy, the free program includes educational workshops and circuits for disabled children, to introduce them to the game.
In the 1687, some of Devota's relics were transported from Monaco to theJesuit church of Sant'Ignazio on the island. Between 1727 and 1751, attempts were made to receive from theVatican official recognition of Devota as special patroness of Corsica. These were refused because there was scant evidence of her existence. However, the diffusion of her cult continued andPasquale Paoli created a short-lived "Order of Saint Devota" in 1757 during the movement for Corsican independence.
In 1820, the first bishop of the diocese of Corsica proclaimed both Saint Devota and Saint Julia to be the principal patron saints of Corsica. In 1893, a church was dedicated to Saint Devota on the island. Her cult was officially approved in 1984 by thebishop of Ajaccio. The newRoman Martyrology commemorates her on January 27, with the description, "At Mariana, on the island of Corsica, in memory of Saint Devota, virgin and martyr."[3]
Saint Devota was recently selected as the main motif of a high value collector's coin; the €5 silver1700th anniversary of Saint Devota's death commemorative coin, minted in 2004. On the reverse of the coin, a statue of the saint can be seen. Next to it is a representation of the dove guiding the boat to the coast of Monaco, as recorded in the legend.
