Saint Devota
Stored in Cargo: Saint Devota
| Saint Devota | |
| Feast Day | January 27 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Corsica; Monaco; House of Grimaldi; mariners |
| Birthplace | Mariana, Corsica, Roman Empire |
| Death Place | Monaco |
| Cause of Death | martyrdom |
| Primary Shrine | Saint Devota Chapel, Avenue Saint Devote, 98000 Monaco |
Saint Devota (Corsican: Santa Devota; French: Sainte Dévote; died c. 303 AD) is the patron saint of Monaco and Corsica, venerated as a 3rd–4th-century virgin martyr under the Diocletianic Persecution.[1] According to hagiographic tradition preserved in the 14th-century Monégasque legend and earlier Corsican oral accounts, Devota was a young Christian native of Mariana (modern Lucciana) on Corsica who was arrested, tortured, and executed for her faith; after death, her body was placed in a boat destined for Africa by the governor to prevent Christian burial, but a storm miraculously guided the vessel to the coast of present-day Monaco, where it was discovered by fishermen and buried in a ravine that became the site of the principality’s first chapel.[2]
Historical evidence for Devota is entirely legendary; no contemporary records of her life or martyrdom survive, and the earliest written account dates to the 14th century. The narrative follows classic passio motifs common to many early virgin martyrs. Veneration began in Monaco by the 11th century at the latest, with the chapel of Sainte-Dévote attested in 1070. As an ancient saint, she was never formally canonized but recognized through immemorial cultus.[3] Her feast day is 27 January, celebrated in Monaco as a national holiday with the ceremonial burning of a boat and solemn Mass at the chapel. Patroness of Monaco, Corsica, the House of Grimaldi, and mariners, she is invoked especially against storms and for safe voyages.
Biography
Birth
No reliable historical data exist concerning the birth of Saint Devota. Tradition places her origin in Mariana (Lucciana), Corsica, during the late 3rd or early 4th century.[4]
Early Life
No information survives regarding Devota’s life before martyrdom. Hagiographic tradition describes her as a young Christian virgin of noble birth.
Occupation
As a lay Christian woman in Diocletianic Corsica, Devota had no formal occupation; her martyrdom narrative centers on refusal to sacrifice to pagan gods.
Vocation
Devota’s vocation was that of a virgin martyr, steadfastly professing faith under torture.
Death
According to tradition, Devota was imprisoned, racked, and crushed with stones; after death, her body was placed in a boat for Africa, but a storm carried it to Monaco, where it was buried c. 303–304 AD.[5]
Saint Devota met her end through martyrdom, according to long-standing tradition.
Significant events
- Arrested and tortured for refusing pagan sacrifice.
- Body miraculously transported to Monaco after death.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: None
Death location: Monaco
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Dynamic content
Parishes
| Saint Devota |
|---|
|
No results |
| This map created from a Cargo query () |
Media
This will pull from Saint media.
Shrines
Dynamic shrines
This will pull in related Shrines.
List of shrines
Chapel of Sainte-Dévote
- The 17th-century chapel in Monaco-Ville, built over the traditional burial site of Saint Devota, serves as the national shrine of Monaco; it qualifies under Canon 1230 as the center of the principality’s patronal devotion, with annual boat-burning ceremony on 26 January evening and solemn Mass on 27 January.
- Pilgrimage details: Avenue Sainte-Dévote, 98000 Monaco; origins 4th-century tradition; national holiday; Archdiocese of Monaco.
- Facts: "Site of the miraculous arrival of Devota’s body."
Canonization
As an ancient martyr, Saint Devota was venerated from the early Middle Ages without formal canonization processes. Her cult was recognized by immemorial tradition.
Miracles
No authenticated miracles are recorded beyond the legendary arrival of her body guided by a dove and the subsequent blooming of lilies from her mouth.
Patronage
Saint Devota is patroness of Monaco, Corsica, the House of Grimaldi, and mariners.
Feast day
January 27
Veneration
Saint Devota is venerated with Monaco’s national feast on 27 January, including the ceremonial burning of a symbolic boat and fireworks. Relics (fragments) in the chapel.
External links
References
- ↑ "St. Devota". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04757b.htm.
- ↑ "Sainte Dévote". Monaco Tourism. https://www.monaco-montecarlo.com/en/culture-religion/sainte-devote/.
- ↑ "St. Devota". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=2115.
- ↑ "St. Devota". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04757b.htm.
- ↑ "Sainte Dévote". Monaco Tourism. https://www.monaco-montecarlo.com/en/culture-religion/sainte-devote/.