The Mummies of Saint-Bonnet-le-Château

A French church hid a secret in its basement​

Despite centuries of turmoil, France remains a treasure-house of the faith, and although reformation, revolution, and secularism have left their marks she remains the Eldest Daughter of the Church.1 The Collégiale (Collegiate Church) de Saint-Bonnet-le-Château, and the objects discovered in one of its crypts, illustrate some of that tumultuous history.

A "collegiate church" is a bit of an oddity in that it somewhat resembles a cathedral but is not the seat a bishop. Rather, it is under the control of a college of canons, and although attached to a diocese has an element of self-governance and may historically controls lands and benefices.

A church was built in Saint-Bonnet-le-Château at least as early as the 12th century, but the beautiful gothic structure that survives was begun in the 14th century and expanded over the years. It amassed an impressive library and a collection of religious items, and the lower chapel contains an extraordinary sequence of frescoes and tombs. The tallest tower provides a panoramic view of the Loire region.

Continued below.

It’s something for sure! Lol