Provence – Christmas begins in Sablet
Last week in Provence Christmas – St. Barbe’s Feast, I mentioned that the “Pompiers” – the Firefighters of Sablet had invited all the village and all visitors who wished, to join them on December 7th for a Benediction at the Church of St. Nazaire (next door to our house Maison des Pelerins), followed by a candlelight parade to the Village for a Reception and aperitifs.
Christmas in Provence – St. Barbe’s Feast Celebration in Sablet
One of our dear neighbors, Margret Storck (who is a professional photographer), was kind enough to send me some fabulous pictures, so we can all share in Sablet’s celebration to welcome the “Calendales” – the Christmas Season. Thanks so much Margret, for the beautiful pictures that help us to have a little part in this celebration of the Season.
Here we are … ready and waiting … The Church of St. Nazaire looks warm and inviting on a cold evening, as the time draws near when villagers will gather for a short ceremony of invocation to St Barbara, asking for her divine guidance and blessings.
Before the benediction for the Feast day of St Barbe
The light from inside the Church, and the illuminated Campanile stand in contrast to the dark winter’s evening. The lighted Campanile of St Nazaire – like a beacon guiding the way – can be seen for miles across the Le Plan de Dieu, when you approach Sablet at night. (Had we been at Maison des Pelerins on that night, right at about this time, we’d be peeking from our front door waiting for the first arrivals before venturing over ourselves).
Igor wants to know what’s going on in his neighborhood
But, before any of the arrivals could be considered, a Final Inspection was necessary, and … Igor has given his approval .. so the festivities can commence!
The arrival of the Pompiers
Out of the darkness, the Pompiers round the corner from Place de l’Eglise and arrive at the front of the church …
The Benediction
The Pompiers enter a packed church and are welcomed by the priest
The Benedicton with the Statue of St. Barbe in a place of honor
The Benediction commences… the standard bearers have taken their place up on the altar, where the Sablet Firefighter’s statue of St Barbe is on display for the occasion.
The blessing
The Benediction is coming to a close as the Priest walks through the church blessing the congregation with holy water
The Procession out after the Benediction
The Pompiers lead by their standard bearer, file down from the altar past the statue fo St. Barbe, the Patron of the evening’s celebrations, and outside where some of the crowd are already waiting for them. At the end of the Benediction, each attendee was given a candle lighted torch to carry, as the group prepares to make their way to the Reception down in the village.
After the benediction – everyone received a candlelit torch
Led by the Pompiers, the procession starts to make its way from the front of the Church, down the steps that lead to Grande Rue, where they turn left towards Le Petit Portail.
After the benediction – villagers gather outside the church and prepare for the procession to the village hall
… And all the family gets involved with this Feast day celebration…
You’re never too young to join in!
As the procession comes through Le Petit Portail and get closer to the Village center ….
The procession comes through Le Petit Portail
Nearing Place de la Croix – in the center of the village, decorated with colored lights for the Season …
The Procession nears the Place de la Croix
Out of the cold night and arriving at the Reception for Aperitifs … a Reception line awaits to welcome all who take part in the festivities.
The Reception line of Pompiers are ready to welcome guests
Sablet’s statue of St Barbara who is seen here chained to her stone tower, a fire fighter’s helmet, axe and hose below. She is the patron saint of firefighters, and those in dangerous professions and protects against “sudden death” — such as death by lightning, fire, flood, and earthquake.
The Sablet Firefighter’s Statue of St Barbe