The History of The Foundation
After the war the other Brothers, particularly Brother Cephas, continued to work on the Chapel but the years took their toll and the fabric of the Chapel steadily deteriorated until in 2016 it was found to be at risk of collapse. We might well have lost the Chapel forever had the Brothers not gifted it in 2017 to a charitable Foundation tasked with saving it for future generations to enjoy.
The Foundation immediately embarked on a programme of restoration and repair work that has already cost more than £500,000. After being stabilized and underpinned, the Chapel required a new roof and a new floor. More work remains to be done and when funds permit there are also plans for disabled access to be provided.
The Stations of the Cross adjacent to the Chapel were created to celebrate the Jubilee Year in 2000 and they are dedicated to the memory of Brother Christantian-Paul the last surviving Brother at Les Vauxbelets who died in 1999.
Shortly before his death it was Brother Christantian who had the vision and was then instrumental in bringing Blanchelande College to the site at Les Vauxbelets. The school has since flourished and in 2023 the Brothers, who by then were based in France and no longer had a presence in Guernsey, decided to sell the remainder of the Estate to the Trust that ran the school. As close neighbours the Little Chapel Foundation and the school are now working together to promote and safeguard the future of the Chapel.
In May 2023 the Chapel was 100 years old and its centenary was celebrated with a service of thanksgiving for the life of Brother Deodat and the work of the Christian Brothers on the island. The Bailiff of Guernsey unveiled the newly commissioned bust of Brother Deodat and a programme of music and prayer was lead by local Clergy and the Blanchelande choir. A set of commemorative stamps was also issued at intervals throughout the year by Guernsey Post.
We all very much hope that the Chapel will continue to delight and inspire us for another 100 years but a daunting amount of work still remains to be done. The Foundation relies on a dedicated team of volunteers and the programme of restoration and repair work at the Chapel relies totally on your donations. It receives no tour fees and no States funding but historically it has always been open to visitors free of charge.
Please help the Foundation to save the Chapel by being as generous as you can.
DONATE TO THE LITTLE CHAPEL
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR LITTLE CHAPEL. WE NEED APPROXIMATELY £500,000 TO FULLY RESTORE THE LITTLE CHAPEL
TOGETHER WITH PROPOSED PLANS FOR THE WOODLAND GARDENS, WAY OF THE CROSS, INFORMATION AREA, CAR PARK AND WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY ACCESS PATHWAYS