Alzais Saunhac, Lord of Belcastel
Sainte Marie-Madeleine Church is the parish church of Belcastel, a picturesque village renowned for its charm and beauty, and listed among the Plus Beaux Villages de France (Most Beautiful Villages of France).
Sainte Marie-Madeleine Church also contains the tomb of Alzais Saunhac, Lord of Belcastel, who commissioned the church’s construction in the 15th century.
The Saunhac family lineage dates back to the 13th century, when Jean II and Jean III of Armagnac rewarded their ancestors for their participation and military support during the Hundred Years’ War by granting them the village and surrounding lands. The fiefdom of Belcastel remained under the control of the Saunhac family until the dawn of the 16th century.
Sainte Marie-Madeleine Church and and saint Christophe
Sainte Marie-Madeleine Church boasts a blend of ancient and contemporary art, which include a remarkable Stations of the Cross and several exceptional 15th-century statues, which are classified as historical monuments.
It also contains a remarkable statue depicting Saint Christophe carrying the Infant Jesus on his shoulders.
According to Christian tradition, Christopher lived in a humble hut by the river. One fateful night, a child approached him, asking for help crossing the river. Christopher, known for his imposing stature and strength, readily agreed to help the child.
Carrying the young traveller onto his shoulders, he thus ventured into the water. However, with each step, the river became more turbulent, and the child’s weight seemed to increase. Undeterred by this ordeal, Christopher persevered until he reached the other bank safely.
He then said to the child: “I do not think the whole world could have been as heavy on my shoulders as you were.”
The child replied: “I am Jesus Christ, your Lord and Saviour, and you have carried not only the weight of the world upon your shoulders, but also the burden of sin and suffering. As a reward for your selfless act, I grant you the gift of eternal life.”
With these words, the child revealed his true identity, leaving Christopher stunned and deeply moved by this divine encounter.”
Christopher of Lycia, better known as Saint Christopher, is of course the patron saint of travellers.
Department of Aveyron
Coordinates: Lat 44.387444 – Long 2.334556
Credits: photos and source text by Evelyn Jackson – Edited by and for travelfranceonline.com – Photo Wikimedia Commons: Header by Krzysztof Golik CC BY-SA 4.0
