RELIC OF MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume IV, Issue 206, 16 March 1877, Page 9

RELIC OF MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS.

An interesting relic of Mary, Queen of Scots, will soon be lost to the antiquary and to the admirers of the unfortunate Queen. In the little seaport town of Roscoff, situated in the north of Brittany, in the department of Finisterre, there stands a small ruined chape], dedicated to St. Ninian. This was founded in 1548 by Mary Stuart on the very spot where she disembarked when coming into France to be affianced to the Dauphin. To preserve the memory of the place of her landing, history tells us that her foot was traced on the rock, and above it was raised the little Gothic chapel, beautiful m its simplicity, if we may judge from the remains still standingThe roof has long Bince disappeared, but the arched doorway, though weathar-beaten by the lapse of ages, is there. Tbe mulliona of three windows remain perfect, though disfigured with- stones replacing the ancient glass. The interior of St. Ninian's Chapel is desolate indeed, though three stone altars stand in their original places, and impress one with the idea that the restoration of thia sanctuary would not be difficult. Alas ! another fate awaits St. Ninian's ; the little chapel is doomed to entire destruction, and those who would wish to visit it must hasten to do so before the end of this year, as early in the next the work of demolition will be begun. A small plot of land adjoining the chapel has been given for the purpose of erecting a " Salle d'Asile," an excellent institution much needed in the parish ; but the space is not sufficiently large, and hence the appropriation of the ground occupied by the chapel has been voted. The commune is poor, and unable to purchase a site for the "Salle d'Asile" elsewhere. The little chapel presents no special architectural beauty, no elaborate stone carvings to sacrifice, but as an historical monument it cannot be replaced. Is there no lover of antiquity, no partisan of the House of Stuart, who would wish to preserve the Queen's Chapel, and by timely aid would help in the erection of a " Salle d'Asile" elsewhere ? A work of charity unquestionably of more real value than ruined walls !— • Catholic Mirror/