Prieuré Saint-Jean-de-Garguier, Gémenos

History

The chapel of Saint-Jean-de-Garguier is the oldest known parish in the diocese! There was here, from the 4th century, a well-established parish, while the abbey of Saint-Victor in Marseille was barely emerging from the ground. To come to Saint-Jean-de-Garguier is therefore to follow in the footsteps of thousands of pilgrims, many of whom are poor, who for centuries have come to pray, to entrust themselves to the intercession of Saint John the Baptist. , ask him for cures and thank him for the many graces obtained. The approximately 300 painted ex-votos – the oldest preserved are from the 16th century – are extraordinary witnesses to this. This collection is unique, by the number of preserved ex-votos (all restored to date) and by their age. They constitute an admirable fresco which recounts life in Provence, from the 16th to the 20th century and highlights the popular faith to which Divine Providence could not remain insensitive, it was so deep! Many miraculous healings have been granted in Saint-Jean-de-Garguier. Starting from the altar of Saint John the Baptist, they also notice a statue of Saint Clair, which once stood in the chapel on the hill (they pray traditionally Saint Clair… to see clearly!); a monumental engraving depicting Christ in Outrage; a stone engraved and fixed in the wall (1654) which was intended to remind those who sometimes forgot that the priory was once subject to the authority of the Abbey of Saint Pons; a painting illustrating the Spanish devotion to the "Divine Shepherdess"; or a statue of the Virgin (15th century) with a removable child Jesus.

At the foot of this statue, a small lighted lamp indicates the Real Presence of God in this place. Among all the treasures of this chapel, it is undoubtedly the most important that pilgrims and visitors are invited to discover. Spending time in the chapel of Saint-Jean-de-Garguier is not just about making a cultural visit: it is coming to taste the presence of God and his love for all men. In this place where so many prayers have been presented to God and answered, let them know how to ask for the grace to know how to give a little life for others, to forgive those who do wrong, to keep trust in God despite the trials, like all pilgrims depicted on the ex-votos. They trusted in God and their prayer was answered.

Next to the chapel, the museum hosts many objects found at the priory and which also testify to the rich history of this place.

Food & beverage

In the restaurant of the priory, you will be served breakfasts, lunches, dinners.

Lunch, dinner (wine and coffee included): €16 / person
Picnics: 8 € / person

Grounds & Gardens

The priory is also located in the immediate vicinity of the creeks of Cassis, the charming village of Gémenos and its beautiful valley of Saint Pons, or the summit of Garlaban so dear to Marcel Pagnol. From very easy walks to races for trained walkers or cyclists, there is something for everyone.

Among the favorite getaways for visitors is the ascent to the chapel of Saint Clair, an easy 45-minute walk from the priory.

The only vestige of the village of Saint Clair built here in the 9th century by the inhabitants of the plain who fled the Saracen raids, the chapel (partially restored in 1980) is no longer dedicated to worship but is still a place of pilgrimage. Traditionally, the inhabitants of Gémenos go up there on January 2, to ask Saint Clair for the grace of sight.

Other facilities

The chapel is accessible during mass times, which are celebrated every Sunday at the end of the afternoon.

In addition to the Sunday evening mass, many times of prayer are offered each week.

Every morning, in the oratory of Saint Benoît Joseph Labre, adoration takes place from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.

The prayer group (praise and worship) meets on Wednesday evenings, every other week, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The group of Friends of Jesus (adoring children) meets every first Saturday of the month, from 10 to 11 a.m.