Le Grand Sacre | Tourism in Villedieu – Your stay in the City of Copper

When did the the Grand Sacre?

This emblematic celebration has its roots in the 17th century, in the early years of the reign of King Louis XIV. May 27, 1655 marked the first edition of the Grand Sacre de Villedieu, an event initiated in response to the rise of Protestantism, which saw the birth of numerous companies of the Blessed Sacrament throughout France. In Villedieu, the Compagnie du Très Saint-Sacrement de l’Autel was founded by local merchants, officers, nobles, clerics and bourgeois. The creation of this company was officially recognized by Pope Alexander VII in 1658.

Why the Grand Sacre takes place in Villedieu?

The Grand Sacre has survived the centuries, although sometimes interrupted during troubled periods such as the Revolution and wars. In 1955, to mark its tercentenary, the Grand Sacre was presided over by Cardinal Grente, also marking the remarkable return of the Knights of Malta. A delegation of 23 knights, led by Marquis le Chartier de Sédouy, took part in the ceremonies, recalling the close ties between the Knights of Malta and the town of Villedieu-les-Poêles, established since the first commandery was founded in the 12th century by the Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of Jerusalem. Since then, the Knights of Malta have been an integral part of the Grand Sacre ritual.

How it works the Grand Sacre?

The Grand Sacre begins with a solemn outdoor mass in the morning and continues in the afternoon with a religious procession through the city. Several flower-filled resting places are set up along the procession route. The Grand Sacre continues the tradition of Corpus Christi, a festive ceremony held sixty days after Easter.

3 reasons to go

A city ready for festivities

To attend the Grand Sacre is to admire the city in all its finery. Basins overflowing with flowers in the colors of the Order of Malta, a church decorated with red velvet hangings, coats of arms and other escutcheons, gleaming shop windows, flower petals on the ground… The city is never more dressed up than for the Grand Sacre festivities.

Beautiful outfits to admire

Long black cape embroidered with a white Maltese cross, bright red pourpoint, gold epaulettes, white gloves and black bicorne topped with feathers… The regalia of a Knight of the Order of Malta is rich in symbolism and tradition. The Knights of Malta rarely appear in this official garb, so it’s a unique opportunity to see them parading around town in their finest finery.

A tradition dating back four centuries

The first Grand Sacre took place in 1655, and between then and now, this centuries-old ceremony has not changed one iota! The festivities take place exactly as they did in the 17th century. The high mass takes place in the morning, followed by the procession in the afternoon, to the rhythm of the repositories set up by volunteer parishioners in various parts of the town. To attend the Grand Sacre is to relive history and perpetuate the rich traditions of our region.