80th Anniversary WWII Peace Service

Father Olivier Nicque, Curė of the Albères Parish, is inviting all Christian churches in the area to share an ecumenical peace service to recognise the 80th anniversary of the outbreak of the Second World War on 3 September, at the Chapelle, Notre Dame Etoile de la Mer, Argeles sur Mer at 10.30am.

A chapel was first constructed in 1934 by inhabitants of the expanding beach area but the occupying German forces of 1942 destroyed the original chapel using canons from Chateau Valmy in 1943.

In the 1950’s the inhabitants raised funds for the reconstruction in its current location, and the first stone was laid in 1953.

Completed in 1956 this modest post war building with a its simple interior is used by different Christian faiths during the summer months, so is an apt location for a combined service in French and English for both residents and visitors.