Saint Devota – Patron Saint of Corsica and Monaco

ST. DEVOTA

Saint Devota is the patron saint of Corsica and Monaco. Born in Mariana, Corsica, she was a devout Christian who suffered martyrdom during the Roman persecutions around 303 AD. Her feast day is celebrated on January 27. After her death, her body was miraculously transported to Monaco, where she was buried in the Vallon des Gaumates. A chapel was built on her grave, which still stands today. Saint Devota is often depicted with a dove, symbolizing the miraculous events surrounding her death and burial.

Saint Devota, also known as Sainte Dévote, was a Christian martyr from Corsica who lived during the early 4th century. According to tradition, she was born in the town of Mariana, located in the northeastern part of the island. Devota was a young virgin who dedicated her life to serving God. She became a member of the household of Senator Eutychius, a Roman official. During the reign of Emperor Diocletian, Christians faced severe persecution, and Devota's faith led to her imprisonment and torture.

The prefect Barbarus, under orders from Diocletian, subjected Devota to cruel punishments. Despite the intense suffering, she remained steadfast in her faith and refused to renounce her beliefs. Eventually, she was martyred, with some accounts stating that she was racked to death. After her death, the governor ordered her body to be burned to prevent veneration. However, Christians managed to steal her remains and placed them on a boat bound for Africa, intending to give her a proper Christian burial.

During the journey, the boat encountered a violent storm. Miraculously, a dove emerged from Devota's mouth and guided the boat to safety. The vessel landed in the Vallon des Gaumates, an area near the port of Monaco. There, Devota was buried near a shrine dedicated to Saint George.

Over time, a chapel was constructed on her grave, and the site became a place of pilgrimage. Saint Devota's relics were venerated, and many miracles were reported in connection with her intercession. In the 17th century, under Prince Honoré II, Saint Devota was officially declared the patron saint of Monaco.

The Feast of Saint Devota is celebrated annually on January 27. The festivities begin on the evening of January 26 with a symbolic fishing boat being brought in procession into Port Hercule and set alight outside the Église Sainte Dévote. This is followed by a fireworks display that lights up the port. On January 27, a Mass is celebrated in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, attended by the Prince of Monaco and other dignitaries. A solemn procession of the relics then takes place, requesting protection for the royal family and the principality.Saint Devota's legacy continues to be honored in Monaco, where she is remembered as a symbol of unwavering faith and devotion.

Feast Day

27-1-

Birth Date

--

Died Date

--3rd Century (exact year unknown)

Canonised Date

--N/A

Vallon des Gaumates, Monaco

Prayer Information Not Available
ST. DEVOTA

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ST. DEVOTA

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Anudina Visudhar (Malayalam) – Life of Saints for Everyday
by Msgr. Thomas Moothedan, M.A., D.D.
Saint Companions for Each Day
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