aisne
Hauts-de-France
The mayor of Bonnesvalyn, a small town in the Aisne, has challenged himself to cycle 750 kilometers from Nice to the Vatican. Objective: collect donations to finance the rehabilitation of the village church.
750 kilometers by bike, for 12 days alone, from Nice to the Vatican: that does not scare Stéphane Frère. The mayor of Bonnesvalyn, a small village of 250 inhabitants in the south of Aisne, embarks on this adventure this Monday, July 10.
I’ve already crossed France by bike, I’ve also done Florida and California… So for me, it’s also fun!, he assures, enthusiastic, on the eve of his departure. I just dread one thing: the heat of the day. I’m going to drive in the morning of happiness then rather in the evening.
Residents attached to their church
He hopes to collect enough donations to finance the renovation of the church of his commune, a 12th century building in poor condition. The cost of the work amounts to 700,000 euros, 90% funded by departmental, regional and state subsidies. But the remaining charge of 70,000 euros remains too heavy to bear for a municipality of this size. By closing the financing quickly, he hopes to be able to start the work in 2024. The priority is to start with the roofs. We have the roof of the bell tower which is really degraded, the roof of the turret and the apse which require emergency work… This must be done, otherwise it risks deteriorating even more, and we cost even more, he explains.
The initiative is popular in the village. The inhabitants, attached to their church, have already worked a lot, on a voluntary basis, to begin to restore the state to a church. It is the symbol of the village, the church. In addition to the religious symbol, there is also the architectural and heritage symbol, believes Josie Laurent, one of the volunteers. It had to be renovated and refurbished while waiting to have the means to completely renovate it. It was closed for 20 years, and three years ago we started repairing it with our means and our arms.
We all have to help our neighbor
Hassan Igerna, entrepreneur and longtime friend of the mayor, is one of the first patrons, with a donation of 500 euros. He is a Muslim and believes that such a religious building should be able to regain its splendour. Stéphane came to see me telling me that he had a project for a church, knowing that I am from another faith, but what matters is the coronation. We may not have the same book, but we must all help our neighbour, he assures us. He is certain that his friend will take up his challenge with flying colors. He is a valiant, someone who always goes beyond his limits, so I wish him good luck and I hope the village is proud of its mayor.
Others promised to give him a certain amount per kilometer travelled. They can follow his journey on the town hall’s Facebook page. It will be interesting to make live videos, with the different stages. People will be able to follow me and see the places where I will stop!, he says, enchanted by the adventure that awaits him.
With Elea Morel / FTV
