Our commemoration was held in Notre-Dame de Capimont, a small chapel up in the hills, a
place of pilgrimage and reflection since the twelfth century. The service was held on the 1st August, 100 years after the start of the Great War on the European mainland.
We used many of the
readings and prayers from the website of Westminster Abbey but also included
poetry and some statistics about the war as well as a historical reflection.
One of the hymns we sang was a hymn popular with the soldiers on the Western
Front. However, because we live in France it focused on the tremendous changes
everywhere brought about by the war, all those who gave their lives and had
their lives taken, military and civilians, the contribution of soldiers from
the commonwealth and colonies, both of Britain and France, the changing role of
women in all countries and the understanding of loss everywhere. We remembered
the effects of all wars and how we ourselves can be instruments of peace. At
the back of the chapel we showed photos and stories of fathers and grandfathers
of members of our congregation.
Perhaps there will be grander services with a larger number of
people attending but our commemoration was simple yet very moving, up in the
hills, with time to reflect on the past as well as the present.
HISTORY of the chapel:
Located on a
hill overlooking both Lamalou les Bains and Hérépian the site of Capimont was
settled from very early times. Discoveries
attest to its occupation in the Neolithic and the Gallo-Roman era.
The site was
originally an oppidum, traces of the fortifications can be seen on the northern
slopes and northeast slopes. The location was probably chosen as it provided an
ideal observation post over the Orb Valley and surrounding terrain.
The name for
the site is ancient. It is known that in the 12th century, the place
where the chapel stands today was known by a variety of names including
Capimont, Capimon, Cabimon or Caprimon. They all refer to “hill goats”.
Written
documents mention the chapel of Capimont from the twelfth century. It appears
to have been part of the Abbey Villemagne l' Argentiere remit together with
those of St Michel and St Peter Mercoirol Rhèdes. The abbey was
responsible for providing the priests and providing spiritual guidance, as
defines by the bishop.
At the end of
the sixteenth century, the religious wars destroyed the influence of the abbey.
However, ND Capimont seems to have been spared from this turmoil, retaining its
own priest. However, in the seventeenth century, with the creation of new
parishes, ND Capimont was abandon and the parishioners became dependent on the
parish of Poujol sur Orb.
On August 22,
1676, Mr. Thézan, Viscount of Poujol, built the " Hermitage " for
divine service, served by priests, keepers of the sanctuary, also called "
Hermits “, their salaries being paid by the generosity of the Lord of Poujol.
For 134
years, ten hermits lived at ND Capimont until the Revolution, giving way later
in volunteer guards. Today, only the buildings remain, No priest is in
residence.
Association:
Friends of Our Lady of Capimont - Mr Tenza tel. 04.67.95.82.47
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