24h Le Mans
The Mass has been said at the 24 Hours of Le Mans since the 1930s. A small chapel on-site accommodates a priest and worshippers during the race in a long tradition carried on for nearly a century.
At the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the tradition of the Mass dates back to 1932. Since then, three chapels have been erected. The first was destroyed during World War II. A second chapel made of concrete was built in 1965 but demolished in 2000 following the widening of the track. The current chapel was constructed eight years ago at the appropriately name La Chapelle turn between Panorama and Tertre-Rouge after the Dunlop tire.
The chapel was designed by Cherbourg architect Antoine Rousselle. Built in red cedar from Canada and measuring only 5 m2 (enough room for the priest and his subject), the chapel holds two statues: one is an effigy of an imaginary Our Lady of the Road and the other represents Saint Christopher, patron saint of travelers. Three stained-glass windows shed light into the chapel: two were created recently by an artisan from Solesmes and the third, depicting a Bugatti race in the 1920s, was found in an attic!
The building was consecrated by Bishop Le Saux in 2011 during the running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Seven minutes later, a miracle: a massive accident with no injuries!
This Catholic tradition was very much alive in the 1960s, when there were up to three services during race week. Today, only one Mass has survived. But the priest still keeps an eye on the race !
Mass at the chapel on Sunday 17 June 2018 à 10:30.
PHOTO (Copyright - Archives/ACO)
