It was in January 1983 that the first lease was signed by Gil Florini, who was just a seminarian, with Mayor Gérard Bongioanni and Father Léon Issautier. Since then, the Sanctuary has been restored and beautified, the Refuge-Hotel has been rebuilt, and the number of pilgrims has increased from less than 5,000 to more than 20,000 per year. All this was accomplished with the funds provided by the pilgrims. Without them, nothing could have been done.
No investment or operational subsidies have ever been granted by the town of Utelle to the Sanctuary, yet we can witness the work that has been done. To support the Cultural influence of the Sanctuary, a grant from the General Council makes it possible to organize concerts and exhibitions every year.
For Father Gil Fiorini, rector: “There are still many things to do, without a doubt. But we must take the time for gratitude. We have commissioned a study from an independent agency for the future of the site. We find many ideas there to develop regarding hygiene and safety facilities as well as access, places of celebration, and pilgrim reception. For that, we will seek support from the General Council and the Metropolis, and we have created an Endowment Fund to receive donations and bequests completely exempt from inheritance tax.”
Nice-Premium: The past is the past, we live in the present. And for the future?
Father Gil Fiorini: “In this year 2013, during which we are celebrating our 30-year presence, we propose to work on 3 essential axes:
1 – The establishment of the covered outdoor chapel with a signal recalling the miracle of the sailors and the restructuring of the sanctuary domain, particularly the pilgrim refuge-hotel.
2 – The promotion of this major spiritual and cultural site through the implementation of permanent and temporary exhibitions, the organization of concerts, and the presentation of publications and colloquiums.
3 – The creation and distribution of genuine artisanal and regional products using our plants and ancestral know-how (lavender liqueur, pastis from Nice, monastic products…).”
