The Chapelle Sainte Anne de Montcizor is located in the municipality of Saint Symphorien de Lay (42470), in the department of the Loire. More precisely in the heart of the hamlet of Montcizord, 4.8 km from the Bourg de Symphorien, but closer to the town of Fourneaux and not far from the town of Croizet on Ghent.
You can discover it, at the edge of communal paths and hiking trails, nestled in a green setting, in the countryside. It is simple and modest but full of charm.
It was built in 1862 by Antoine LAFFAY, a modest farmer/weaver living in Montcizor. A few years before, when his wife was seriously ill, he went on foot to find comfort with the parish priest of Ars. On his advice, he made a wish. On his return his wife being cured, he then started the construction of the Chapel, with the help of the neighbor. He dedicated it to Saint Anne, patron saint of weavers.
But, over the years, the Chapel has deteriorated and presented itself in a very sad state.
This moved descendants of Antoine Laffay as well as a small group of residents of the hamlet. In 2012, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Chapel, they created the Association of Friends of the Chapel. The aim is to restore the Montcizor Chapel and restore it to its former glory.
The association wanted to create a simple and friendly animation around the Chapel, to revive this small rural heritage to which many people are very attached.
Every summer, on the Saturday following the feast of Saint Anne, July 26, at the end of a mass celebrated in the open air, a glass of friendship is offered to those present, followed by a joyful picnic, out of the bag.
Each year, at the time of the Christmas holidays, the Association perpetuates an ancient tradition, building in the heart of the Chapel a beautiful and lively nativity scene with more than 250 characters. It is always very appreciated by young and old who come back with pleasure to visit it. They leave on the guestbook magnificent testimonies of wonder and encouragement.
To finance the work, it was decided to launch a Popular Subscription with the support of the Heritage Foundation. The association has also received grants from the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, the Loire Department and the Crédit Agricole Foundation.
As a result, the following work was completed:
• In 2015: Total renovation of the roof, the genoese and its bell tower.
Restoration of the ceiling by volunteers;
• In 2018: Cleaning of the base of the interior walls and lime-coated by volunteers;
Demolition of existing soil and installation of rustic paving.
Creation of 5 stained glass windows, in a pure 19th century style, spreading a beautiful light inside, conducive to meditation.
Refurbishment of interior paintings, refurbishment of electrical installation and installation of 4 projectors to illuminate the stained glass windows.
At Christmas, the bell tower and stained glass windows are lit and visible from the outside for people returning from work.
• In 2020, despite the lockdown, a professional painter was hired to restore the fresco in the heart of the Chapel. After cleaning and consolidating the supports, he used an ancient technique known as “With strong water with pigment, a fresco, on parts moistened in advance, work fresh on expense”. This technique allows the pigments to penetrate deeply and last over time, thanks to the carbonation of the lime. By carefully scratching the successive paintings of the old fresco, he then recovered the original colors and patterns, which he then reconstituted. The members of the Fresque commission, followed and validated the various stages of this restoration by holding many meetings... masked.
• In 2022, the exterior paintings of the chapel were redone, as well as the door.
A new projector has been installed in the heart of the Chapel to highlight the statue of Saint Anne.
The surroundings of the Chapel have also been arranged with a nice colored gravel.
A security system for the Chapel has also been put in place.
To conclude this presentation, we will add that the chapel of Montcizor exudes a certain charm, that it is very appreciated by all and especially by many walkers. In short, it enjoys a good reputation, because of its location on the edge of several hiking trails, its easy access for all, its opening to the public 7 days a week, from 8 am to 8 pm, its beautiful nativity scene at Christmas and its annual feast for Saint Anne.