Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène attended a pontifical mass at Monaco Cathedral on January 27th for the celebrations of Saint Dévote.

The service was presided over by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, with Mayor Georges Marsan, members of the municipal council, and representatives from Monaco’s twin towns of Lucciana in Corsica and Dolceacqua in Italy in attendance.

Following the mass, a traditional procession carried the saint’s relics through the streets of Monaco Ville.

A large crowd of residents followed the procession as it made its way towards the Prince’s Palace.

The Prince and Princess watched from the palace balcony as the procession passed below, before the relics were carried towards the side of the Rock overseeing the port for the blessing of the sea, a centuries-old tradition.

After the procession, Mayor Georges Marsan hosted a reception at the town hall, bringing together officials and delegates from the twin towns to mark the occasion.

The two-day celebration had begun on Monday evening with the symbolic burning of a boat on Port Hercule, re-enacting the saint’s arrival by sea.

The festivities concluded with a candlelit spiritual concert at the Cathedral, featuring the Choir of Sartène, the Choir of the Papal Chapel of Assisi, and the Children’s Choir of the Rainier III Academy.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Main photo credit: Stéphane Danna, Government Communications Department