The Secrets of the Private Chapel!

I'm delighted to give you a tour of the jewel of the Chateau de Lalande, our Chapel of Saint Joseph! Consecrated by the Archbishop of Bourges in 1866, it's a tiny masterpiece in the neo-gothic style, filled with intricate details, and surprising secrets...
I'm delighted to welcome you into my home, and to take you on a personal tour. There's so much to see that I've had to split the tour into several parts. This week I'll show you our Chapel of Saint Joseph. It's about to receive a major restoration - so this is a good opportunity to show you its 'before' state!
It's the moment we've all been waiting for - a full tour of the Chateau de Lalande! I'm sorry that it's taken me so long to do this, but I never felt that the chateau was fully ready! But I've realised that I'll always feel that way, and part of the beauty of a historic home like this is that it's always a work in progress. Restoring Lalande is the creative passion of my life ❤️🏰❤️
Escape to the chateau with ’The Chateau Diaries’ 🏰
This weekly vlog follows the adventures of chatelaine Stephanie in her French 16th century home, the Chateau de Lalande, in the heart of rural France ❤️
A very special thank you to all of you who have become Patrons of the Chateau de Lalande. As you can imagine, your help means more to me now than ever. Because of you, I'll be able to keep living at Lalande and making videos even though our chambres d'hotes income has been decimated by the coronavirus. I’ve been overwhelmed by your kindness and generosity, On behalf of this beautiful chateau that will continue to survive and flourish because of you, thank you!!!
If you're interested in become a Patron of The Chateau Diaries, click here: / thechateaudiaries

[@RWMoortgat]

Steph, I specifically sought out this video after viewing tonight's Chateau Diaries where you show the amazing restoration progress to Michael. How amazing to watch this old full tour and think just how far you've come!! Here you're dreaming of modest, gradual restoration. Fast-forward 4 years and the chapel is on its way to looking brand new!!!! Congratulations !!!

[@SuperInfinity888]

You would make a very good TV presenter Stephanie! You are very good in front of the camera. Plus you explain things very simple and you keep us interested in what you are talking about. ❤️

[@barbibutton9619]

Yes she could do history or art or art history lol

[@drgeorgeian1888]

Hello, I would say that the door knob is definitely not a frog. The Lamb of God ~ Yes! It reminds me of the sleeping lambs so commonly seen on children's gravestones of yore . . . pure and innocent. Lovely.

[@aidenwilson8113]

Isn’t it amazing how small it looks on the outside but it’s massive on the inside

[@stevearnold8467]

This has been the best and most moving vlog yet. The chapel is even more of a treasure that I realized. I'm so grateful that this gem is in such loving and caring hands. I can't wait to see the preservation and reservation progress. Bless you, Stephanie and family, for taking your responsibility of the ownership so seriously.

[@karinbergman1646]

Yes! I was so excited about the old Mill and the possibility of archaeology, with the lake survey coming up. But the Chapel certainly holds many fascinating treasures and mysteries as well, I am sure. Such a beautiful structure. And being g a fairly recent construction, I wonder what may have been there on that rise previously? I wonder the same of the chateau, being on a rise. It was traditional for religious structures and important buildings to be built upon the remains of previous structures, especially on rises.

[@felicitousfeline9956]

I concur--so wonderful that Stephanie cares deeply about the chapel and wants to honor the beauty and purpose of it. May it be a source of peace and wholeness to all who enter.

[@irenhollo662]

@@felicitousfeline9956 Extra special, I do appreciate her dedication. Well done, Stephanie....

[@barbibutton9619]

I was thinking, as I watched, "I bet the owner who questioned selling the chapel to a single woman, has changed his mind".

[@patriciaodoherty5202]

I would love to help with the restoration of the chapel.I have taught 15 different forms of glass.Traditional and modern glass.I have done restoration as well as original work in glass and mural painting.I will contacting your work-stay program.I have been teaching workshops for 35 years .My heart was stirred by the reason for the building of the chapel.I feel due to the reason for the chapel that the door handles are little lambs.Dedicated to Little Charles!

[@captainMAE]

Being Catholic myself, I love this video soooo much! It makes me so happy to know your family is also Catholic.

[@katiakatia54]

Dear heart, The joy that overflows from you to all of us, is a gift of great beauty during this time of isolation. I was diagnosed for a second time with triple negative breast cancer. As much as I long to visit your paradise, I am grateful to God for the respite you provide during this difficult time in my life. Please receive from me, to you and your family a gentle heart hug for your journeys ahead.

[@isabellejarvis7805]

Kathy B my thoughts and prayers are for you at this difficult time. Xxx

[@lianegordon971]

Kathy B, best wishes from afar. Bless

[@happyplace1209]

I’m so sorry! Sending healing thoughts and prayers through the internet! Stephanie is a beacon of light and joy for many of us struggling right now. 🙏🏻

[@christinepowell7453]

I will pray for you Kathy - you sound like a beautiful soul. Be strong 🙏

[@Jayrose59]

Hugs and prayers at this time. May you know God's peace and love.

[@joyfulthings1]

Once again, your outfit and footwear are not what most would wear when crawling into a pit in the ground to explore an ancient underground heating system 😂😂 you have a great sense of adventure .

[@katherinebopp2021]

I am pretty sure I ha e watched this four times and loved it every time . There is so much to see. I know some day it will be gently restored. It would be nice if Michael could do some of the painting.

[@carpentermja]

The low red velvet chairs are called Prie dieu.They are used for some one to kneel on and pray in a little more comfort.

[@PequenoApostolado]

With electronic translator. I'm Brazilian, and I'm completely in love with this Chapel. You are a very dedicated person, and I am sure you will be able to restore the Chapel to its original beauty. I wish you and your family to be richly blessed. I am a celibate woman, and I live with my mother (age 78) and a sister. My father died just 6 days ago from leukemia. He was 91 years old. I have a dream that, God willing, I will be able to fulfill one day, as I currently don't have the financial means to do so, which is to build a small chapel, in honor of Saint Joseph and the Suffrage of Souls in Purgatory.

[@melbee416]

There must be more hidden doors and such that have yet to be discovered! How exciting, it’s like Narnia! 😀

[@merlinmediagroup]

I agree with you about the philosophy of restoration. Many hold this almost romantic view of allowing works of art to age but I'm with you in that I don't think the original artists would feel fond about their works of art effectively rotting away. Restoration should always be about restoring works in a way which most resembles how they originally looked and the intentions of their authors. Nothing ever should be added.

[@paulinejohnston4803]

Stephaine you are amazing you should have your own television programme. I love what you are doing, I myself & husband restored an old chapel dated 1210 recorded in pope Nicholas tax record 8 shillings&6 pence was paid then in tax. It had been a ruin which it on our estate in Northern Ireland, it lay has a ruin until we restore it in 2005 it took a fortune but we now hold wedding ceremonies in it & it has more than paid for its self. I wish you every success you well deserve it. I have never been to France but it is my dream to visit, some day maybe my dream will come true.

[@SmurfSteffi]

When you said the artist named was Marc de Toulouse, all I could think of was Pheobe Buffay talking about her French grandmother's cookie recipe. Her grandmother's name... Neslay Toulouse (Nestle Tollhouse) :P

[@RosesAndIvy]

Toulouse is a place in France though

[@SmurfSteffi]

@@RosesAndIvy I know...it just reminded me a funny scene from Friends....just watch the scene and you'll get it.

[@katiesoderling3596]

Stevie Valenti That’s such a funny episode!

[@piper6541]

I and my Husband are in so much awe to your sensitiveness towards the Catholicism presented in St. Joseph Chapel. You are very down to earth, and very honest, admitting you are not very religious. It is your empathy that God has blessed you to be able to continue what your father dreamt to achieve. He, together with your grandma abd great grandmother are guiding you. Thank you very much for sharing this very sweet segment. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 In Catholic imagery, the froglike door knobs at the chapel : The frig has two opposite meanings; Because of its reappearance after winter hibernation, it represents the Resurrection. The other, it is interpreted as symbol of those who snatch at life's fleeting pleasures. The statue holding a gold plate, (her eyes were on the plate), and a palm on the other arm is St. LUCY.

[@myhappynest6125]

Oh my goodness I think your Chapel is the best part of LaLande! What a treasure. Thank you for sharing all of the beautiful details and history of the Chapel.

[@PipeDreamerJacques]

Lifelong catholic here; the mural is the dormition of St. Joseph. 100%

[@rosannatorrisi7006]

Another lifelong catholic here! It is indeed the dormition of Saint Joseph!

[@anthonyi6572]

Yes, the Dormition of St. Joseph. This is the reason St. Joseph is the patron of a happy death. He had Jesus and Mary at his side when he died.

[@jbrian356]

This is amazing, I’m becoming more and more of a traditional Catholic. I appreciate all of your work on this magnificent chapel. Blessing to all those working on this amazing restoration!

[@amysbees6686]

I love seeing these chapels in all their polychromatic glory! So many seem to have been "whitewashed," or even worse, converted to some other *use*.

[@robert3302]

I believe the saint holding the platter is St. Lucy. She is patron of the eyes. She usually has a pair of eyeballs on the platter. Perhaps they fell off? The chateau is blessed to have you as its chatelaine. I am in awe of your passion for the history and art of the chateau and your commitment to make it shine again. I was delighted to see your willingness to crawl down into the furnace vent in your pretty dress and yellow coat.

[@ceciledeberranger4920]

Un immense merci Stéphanie pour cette restauration , c’est magnifique!✨✨✨

[@serenitypeaceandcomfort3669]

Would love a chapel on my property. This chapel is truly special. To see the water damage is awful. I'm getting a bit choked up! God bless you for your care of this holy place.

[@johnmilner6463]

Love it! You need to do more videos on simple restorations. Door restoration, door hardware, cleaning the attic, scraping and cleaning windows. People will watch them just because of the beauty. Sounds silly but people want to see progress even if it’s small

[@dianacirilo]

Hello Marie! Hello Antoine! Hello Selmar!

[@Balandak]

I'm sure your grandma and great grandma would be so delighted and proud of you for bringing their holy water and statue to your chapel. You're so lucky to have such a beautiful chapel - as a Catholic, this would be a dream come true for me! Thank you for sharing.

[@irenhollo662]

As a Catholic I never heard about the lily of the valley tradition on may 1st, not realize that it is a Catholic tradition! thank yo for that.... also I did see a segment where your Mom is making a cross before cutting into the bread... my mother use to do that when I was a child... just realize it.... I am so grateful Stephanie...!!!

[@beulahbenade4098]

I would say this was for me, probably the most beautiful video of all. Thank you xx

[@denizberlin9441]

Such an amazing chapel, Even in the state it is in right now. All the colours are so beautiful

[@oldheadcook]

What an interesting blog, can not wait to see the chapel done and that heating system is amazing.....they were ahead of their times❣️

[@Dandylionbee]

My eyes keep growing wider as you show us the documents....how beautiful and a wonderful addition to the history of the chapel!

[@lorrainegatzke1048]

Stephanie, I wish you and your team all the very best with the Chapel project. Very beautiful and exciting. 💖

[@markr.h.2574]

The leaves with the „berries“ might well be a nard, bot. Nardostachys jatamansi, symbol of St. Joseph, fitting very well for a chapel dedicated to St. Joseph.

[@EmmieDanch2]

Yes, you have it!

[@lorky24]

How clever you are. That does look very like the images in the chapel decor. How did you find out it was a symbol of St. Joseph?

[@markr.h.2574]

Lorraine Mckay Thank you, that‘s very kind of you. One can find a nard besides further symbols of the Holy Family in Pope Francis‘ coat of arms. The nard is rather part of the hispanic iconography, which makes sense at Lalande, as the Marquis de Pouget de Nadaillac live in the Quercy, an ancient French province which at the same time corresponds to the old diocese of Cahors. Since 2016 it‘s part of the région Occitanie, which were the régions Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées, both bordering on Andorra and Spain in the Pyrenees.

[@markr.h.2574]

EmmieDanch Now we could send a seed package of nard to the lovely Mme Jarvis at Lalande 😉

[@lorky24]

@@markr.h.2574 Your knowledge of the region and history are impressive. Not being a Catholic, I wondered where one might research the different saints and their symbols. Are there other instances of nards being associated with Joseph?

[@cherylmcgrath9081]

You are really BLESSED to have all that history of the chapel at you finger tips! Thanks for sharing your Beautiful Chapel with us! LOVE from Chicago

[@sharonlatham359]

Hi from Tasmania, Australia Stephanie, this was the best blog so far!!!! I loved it. It just gets better and better Stephanie. Thank you for sharing with us. Can’t wait to see the chapel restored. Keep up the great work! 👍

[@emilybreeding3518]

Those doors gave me chills!! That drawing looks brand new!! I enjoyed this so much!!

[@geoffburrill9850]

Wow how exciting. Love to see your amazing chapel restored.

[@benjennings4951]

It’s nice when something so beautiful can be restored !!👍

[@anneforster510]

Superb tour of your beautiful chapel. I never realised before about the drape effect on the walls where it looks like fabric hanging. Such details and you have pointed them all out for us . We will all be delighted for you when they can start work on restoration of its beauty. 💗💗💗

[@annvernon6930]

What a lovely way to spend half an hour. So interesting. I’m sure your chapel will be stunningly restored under your custodianship. Lalende is lucky to have you Stephanie. 💕

[@Professor-Patti]

So lovely to see you living your dream in your Chateau and that you equally have made it your home and share with us. I had no idea of the wonders of French chateaux until finding your channel. Thank you for the lovely education as well. Merci.

[@rafaeltorres4728]

The saint with the palm and plate is Saint Lucy. The other one you showed seems to be Saint John Mary Vianney patron of priests. Loved your chapel.

[@lorraineelwart5379]

You are blessed with the chapel, what beautiful works of art. I know you will get the chapel restored before long. Thank you for showing us all around it is wonderful to learn so much, you are very passionate and knowledgable. May I say your outfit looked awesome too. Yellow and blue are your colours. Stay safe all of you, until next time, et bientot xxx 🐏aloysius is famous then ✝️

[@chrismarcotte4241]

So enjoyed this Vlog! What a Marvelous Chapel ! Truly a gem to be treasured! Chateau de Lalande could not be in better hands! The end surprise was quite wonderful! Percy did an awesome job refinishing those beautiful doors! Please give him our regards! We miss him !

[@ianloughnan1575]

Amazing yes you should get the heating system restored also good luck with the chapel restoration so looking forward to the reveal when its finished

[@SuzOfNine]

I think you're doing the right thing restoring the mural to it's original state, look what happened to it over the last 152 years, just imagine what it would look like in another 152 years if you didn't?! Perhaps someone else will restore it again then, just like you did, wouldn't that be amazing! (another thing about Lily of the Valley is that it's the Hebrew meaning of Susannah, which is my name too! :) )

[@annlyon144]

I love the ceiling , it is the Firmament above us. Our glass dome where we are underneath and can not go beyond. Sweet !

[@flossytube61]

Having seen the Chapel in a recent video, it is amazing to look back at what the restorers started with. It is truly a stunning chapel and the restorers did an excellent job. Worth the time and money spent.

[@sachdevalamin3174]

I think the 'under floor' heating is based on the heat-a-later concept. The cold air would be sucked in from those tubes you see, and expelled into the chapel. The firebox heat up the surrounding brick (maybe coal would be used?) and the exhaust would go up the chimney. What an amazing chapel! Thank you for presenting this!

[@ajohnsal]

You know, with all your wonderful chef friends, you should create a Chateau de Lalande Cookbook with pictures of the Chateau interspersed throughout. Just a thought.

[@biancainfante]

ajohnsal I was thinking the same thing the other day when we saw Marie and Stephanie in the kitchen . If not a book maybe some vlogs .Fingers crossed .

[@christinevr7698]

Yes- we need the recipes from all your vlogs - from orgasmic figs to King’s Day treats and everything in between. My mouth waters every time you serve up at your beautifully decorated meals.

[@janetg1691]

How wonderful to see the chapel of Lalande in detail. It will be wonderful to watch it being fully restored.

[@emay1903]

When we visited Limoges cathedral last year I was amazed to see the wall decorations painted like your chapel, I'd never seen that kind of decoration before seeing it one of your vlogs and then there it was all over the cathedral!!!

[@michellehaynes1004]

Beautiful I love old chapels and old religious artefacts so I totally love seeing and hearing about your amazing chapel. I can’t say thank you to you enough Stephanie because your vlogs truly make me smile every time I watch one and in these strange times I have not had much else to smile about, you and your chateau mean a lot to a lot of us and we hope for wonderful things in your future. Best wishes from 🇦🇺

[@gerigowers8318]

I absolutely loved every bit of this video. The abundance of information and the beauty of the chapel overwhelms me. I'm on to watch the other video of the chapel. I love all of the statuary and all of the colorful décor. Thank you.

[@marybethmorrison]

".... but the Nadaillacs had two castles...." I mean, seriously, two castles. It's like a David Sedaris essay. The chapel is breathtaking! So very exciting that you are able to move forward with the restoration! I laughed to see Selmar immediately down inside the heating tunnel. I also like to imagine Antoine would have gone in, and was perhaps vetoed by his parents. I'm going to revisit this video. I want to paint the wooodwork in my guest bedroom the gold and blue colors of the ceiling and altar.

[@lydiaberg7670]

I must do a repeat of this one. Immediately The patterns and colours are mesmerizing.

[@karmelicanke]

The document you held, written in Latin, describes and verifies a true relic , particles from the house of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Joseph, her spouse. Not being able to see the document clearly, I do not know whether the relic is within the altar stone, or in a reliquary, perhaps to be found somewhere in the chapel or the chateau. I'd love to see the document placed upon a table in order to see and read it. Even though there is staining of the document, enough of the script may be seen to solve your mystery.

[@karinbergman1646]

🙏🏻💗⚜️💜⚜️💗🙏🏻

[@PipeDreamerJacques]

There was an altar stone she showed covering a hole in the floor in the attic a week or two ago. It needs to be picked up and put back in the chapel ASAP.

[@TheA6P]

If that is the case, Stephanie needs to see this comment. I don't think she ever mentioned a true relic being in the chapel, so she possibly doesn't know anything about it.

[@Balandak]

@@TheA6P Yes I really hope she sees this! She may not be aware.

[@amysbees6686]

That relic would be integral to consecrating the chapel!

[@nicolevanburen6052]

My maiden name is La Chappell. Beautiful artwork. Beautifully taken care of by a beautiful family. Bless you. 💟☮️

[@sharon_shaw]

What a wonderful and moving tour. The chapel is indeed in the best of hands. Your love for this wonderful building shines through this blog and I am sure you will restore it with the greatest of sensitivity

[@deannayoung5311]

💞💐🥂🤗adore yu truly I love your wonderful videos Of your home chateau Sending biggest hugs ever From California USA 💝

[@shellyaussie]

What a beautiful chapel you have and it would be nice to see this chapel restored to the glorious time again. ☺️

[@sharongruener6078]

I love history, your chapel is so fascinating and beautiful!! If walls could only talk, what wonderful stories your walls could tell. I think the handle is a Lamb. Thank you for sharing. xx

[@susanbrown2909]

What a innovative idea back in the day for under ground heating...wow.

[@dianewatier50]

Fascinating vlog! Stephanie à la Indiana Jones..........you go girl :-)!! I am soo humbled and honoured to be a Patron in doing my tiny share in helping restore and give life back to this treasure. Je vous aime xx

[@mariaabraham311]

Oh Stephanie this was so informative! How exciting finding the secret entrance for the heating of the chapel floor! I can only imagine what other secretive tunnels there are around the Chateau!!! One of my favourite vlogs! This has been a great journey following you & all your knowledge. You should write your own book about Chateau LaLande & the Marquee & get as many pictures far back of his family history! ❤️🇨🇦

[@nancyshaner8548]

How fascinating. I loved this video and all the others I have seen. I have a fraction of French ancestry and I did not know of the Lily of the Valley tradition. However I had gone to a garden center on May 1st and purchased a pot of these to plant beside my garden shed. Now they have even more meaning for me. I do not know what part of France my ancestor lived. What survived of the name in America was spelled different ways. Noe, Nuee, and Noau. His wife was a Du Mont.

[@carograce4111]

Re strawberry motif. In heraldry the coronet of a Marquis bears strawberry leaves (sans strawberrys). Perhaps this decorative element of the chapel is a leitmotif signifying most decoratively the rank of the owners. Another wonderful vlog Ms J. BTW, adore the pearl necklace - the baroque pearls dangling from the cross evokes images of Ann Boleyns'

[@amysbees6686]

Now that makes perfect sense! I thought the leaves looked familiar!

[@kathrynturner8271]

Such a wonderful explanation of la Chapelle it will be amazing when it is dusplaying its true beauty. As a Chatelaine you are blooming marvellous

[@grahamcroome2109]

Is it not possible to get a grant for the restoration of the chapel. Well done Stephanie for your enthusiasm and the work you have accomplished so far......

[@medawson01]

I loved the tour. The chapel is spectacular.

[@janetnash]

Absolutely beautiful Chapel, so glad you can restore it

[@beautifulboulevards]

So many amazing details in the chapel. Thank you for the tour. Love the personal touches. The extra candles, Mary and Lourdes Holy water from you great grandmother. Love Saint Lucy!! Know her well. She helped me with a semi recent eye surgery!🙏🏻😍

[@traceykeegan4232]

How exciting the chapel will be restored soon! I can NOT wait to see it's gloriousness return in full

[@TheAcer925]

Wow. You are very lucky to have bought and living in this beautiful chateau, and the chapel was like a million bonus. Must be worth millions today..Congratulations.

[@mattsmithlon]

Please keep regular updates on the chapel!

[@antonkostrik]

I’m literally looking forward to seeing you again and again every time you share a video. To live the Chateau magical moments with you dear Stephanie. Hope once we meet.

[@antonkostrik]

PS. I believe historically the cluster of grapes symbolize the last super. As the grape is the food and drink as the wine.

[@ginahamlyn2569]

Bc. Oldrich Voyta, DiS. I agree Oldrich.

[@scpmdt]

Bc. Oldrich Voyta, DiS. : Agree

[@awakentopossibility8714]

A spectacular presentation of the Chapel & it's history! Thank you Stephanie!

[@chantalpinsonneault1299]

Everything about the chateau and your way of telling is absolutely fascinating.

[@brookesellers5982]

The only channel that I actually watch the ads and don't skip

[@rafaeltorres4728]

Yes, your mural fits right with the death of Saint Joseph.

[@kate2create738]

What is interesting of the under heating is that it is a technique dating back to Ancient Roman times, but it was a lost concept for a long time. So it's the first I've heard of the underground heating to exist AFTER Ancient Rome and before current times, so that could have an interesting history if there was more to research about that structure. And love the history of the Lily of the Valley, it's my birth flower so it's nice to have any fun facts about the lovely little beauties. ❤

[@amysbees6686]

May Day is my birthday so the Lily of the valley story was wonderful!

[@kate2create738]

Hope you had a wonderful birthday Amy! And yes it was delightful to know more of those little gems 😃

[@barbibutton9619]

Agreed. I am very curious and sending the info to a friend of mine who studies old buildings, architecture etc

[@lornanorris1363]

Your chapel is beautiful, and knowing the history of it makes it more so 💓⛪

[@27Spiritgirl]

Spectacular vlog!!! I was very touched by your enthusiasm and joy and so look forward to seeing the progress of this beautiful gem! Well done you!

[@rosemarygregory9458]

St Aloysius Gonzaga, to be exact. (Gonzaga University alum here!) So cool that you have a window for him, but the entire chapel is an amazing treasure. Thanks so much for the tour.

[@Jayrose59]

Yes, I saw that was the full name just below the stained glass window.

[@StyleRecordGroupcom]

Brilliant as always, so well presented.

[@user-nw5og]

Hehehe, I look forward to mending clothes or even the curtains at lalande~ Fabric fills me with joy and so does lalande, my heart might not survive the trip! 😂💜

[@vanessaschofield7927]

thankyou for this vlog. Your chapel is oh so beautiful and I agree it should be restored to as close to originality as you can. I understand that some as you say would disagree and not so long ago I would too have agreed .What changed my mind? Well we have in the past visited Pompeii and I have marveled at how the art work in some places are still almost pristine . But years later we were in the villa of mysteries and saw someone actulally restoring the wall paintings in places and I was quite upset quietly . I thought I was viewing something that had been painted Around the time or should I say before 79Ad eruption. Now I reflect back and see that many art works today are "touched " up to preserve them even the sytine chapel sorry haven't spelt that right. And its true the artist I would agree that they would love that the paintings are preserved for others to enjoy and the decoration in the chapel and the mural is wonderful Stefanie and yes it looks like it could be st joseph on his deathbed with his son jesus holding his hand. Your grandmothers statue and alter cloth is lovely and brings her presence into the chapel . The colours of the chapel are so beautiful . I am definitely going to make sure I watch all the adverts so you can earn more income to put towards the chapel project and a glass dome over the heating system is a great idea and one that I was thinking of during the watching of the vlog and maybe some stone steps down to the heating system .

[@friscoredm.3024]

Beautiful chapel, love the beautiful windows and alter. Great job on your presentation of the history of your chapel. When the window gets restored it will look magnificent.

[@tkaultopbd1]

Thank you, Stephanie, for your wonderful work in restoring this masterpiece house of worship. We loved your great knowledge of the different aspects of the chapel and the great respect and reverence with which you describe them, even though you yourself are not religious. All of that beautiful artwork was done to honor, praise, and glorify God, and you are doing great justice to those artisans by restoring their beautiful work to something close to their original state. Again, thank you for the great respect and admiration you show for your treasure, and thank you for the wonderful stories that you told about some of the pieces. May God bless thank you and guide you as you continue your restoration work. From Chicago, USA.

[@brendapinckney538]

Thank you the Magnificant Tour of the 💒 so lovingly shared by all.

[@heidim6468]

It is heart breaking that a roof was not kept up threw the years of this Chapel with all the beautiful paintings. Glad it was the first thing you did to keep the rest of the paintings from being damaged.

[@raynonabohrer5624]

Beautiful, Beautiful church. Such respect for the family church. Some day you can church services there. I can't wait for the window to come back home. And we will work on getting it repaired. Thank you for your kindness for this church. God bless you and keep you.

[@antoniaswift3995]

Wonderful timing Stephanie as the Church just celebrated the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker! Your grandmother in her love for Holy Mother Church must be so proud of you including the altar cloths etc she saved. Was the chapel de-consecrated or are the relics still embedded in the altar? Also there would have been an inside drain to the outside going into the ground from the sacristy to dispose of any water left over after the Mass. Has it been found? We attend a Traditional Mass in the US and we have learnt so much about the customs that were a part of Catholic worship for over a thousand plus years. There was nothing slip shod but so much attention to detail done in reverence to what The Mass deserves. So many young people today are coming back to this which is wonderful! Keep up the wonderful work we are following eagerly. Thank you so much.

[@janswildlife9163]

Well done for fixing the roof and saving it from the elements. Fascinating stuff. I think it's a lamb ...

[@smurph4959]

Fantastic! My Nanna is also very religious. She lives beside a Norman tower house and I've been looking for the secret tunnel since i was small ... I need a cherry picker and a stone mason to help me!!!

[@adalineproulx9773]

I just love learning about the history! The story about the saint is very interesting! ❤ love your chapel so beautiful! In awe of the decoration and statues! Ive sold some religious smaller statues in my etsy shop not at all as old as these but people do love religious art! ❤

[@carpentermja]

The frog is sometimes used as a symbol of the devil just like the snake. It's very common for the devil to be represented as you enter a church, as a reminder to the Christian of what can happen to us if we fail to love God and serve others with love. Making the door handle the 'devil' is kinda clever every time you enter the chapel you would always have to think am I good christians? Did you find out any more about your alter stone in your attic

[@AslansAngel1]

I remember learning this in Christian Art History at University. Frogs seem to find their way on gargoyles as well for the same purpose.

[@SomniiLinn]

Gargoyles and similar decorations are also often used to "ward off" the evil, so maybe the frogs share that capacity? And I also thought of how they have lots of frogs in the area (the drained lake are full of them), so maybe it also (not only I would presume) is a simple nod to the area the chapel is in?

[@amysbees6686]

The frog doorknob is clearly symbolic for LaLande!

[@serenitypeaceandcomfort3669]

Wow!! That's amazing. And it does make one self-reflect!

[@Capkirk]

@@albertafarmer8638 spread your hate somewhere else. We should all appreciate and be respectful of everyone’s beliefs and not make nasty hateful comments like you. Shame on you

[@patriciah3779]

So amazing! Your great-grandmother being very devoted Catholic and now you have this lovely treasure - an entire chapel. I think it looks perfect and the only thing to fix would be the gap w/missing vault/column - and a clean up. Wonder if there are 'copies' of the registration/building in the official archives of these various departments(?) Also, wondering what happened during WWI, WWII - if the chapel was being used for something else. A wonder that everything is so intact. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful treasures w/us.

[@marilynloucks1121]

That had me tearing up a number of times throughout the video! Thank you for sharing the chapel with all of us Stephanie! I was having a dreary day here in Northern Ontario and your vlog was just what I needed! I decided a few months ago to watch the ads for any of the channels that I have subscribed to, as I had just learnt that this helps the channel owner, and I'm so glad that this will help in your efforts at Lalande. Can't wait to see the vlog in July celebrating the return of the stained glass window!

[@dotell8925]

A most enjoyable video. The chapel is lovely. I'm so glad you are there to love it back to health.

[@JudythJ60]

That Chapel is going to be absolutely stunning when restored!