Monaco's largest group in a decade prepares for Catholic baptism this Easter
This Easter, 70 people in Monaco are preparing to enter the Catholic Church, marking the largest group of catechumens in a decade. Among them are Daniela Boutsen, 57, and Alexandre Bizzoca, 46, each drawn to the faith through personal journeys. Their stories reflect a broader trend, with France expecting over 20,000 baptisms during the Easter Vigil—a 20% rise from last year. Daniela Boutsen's path to confirmation began with a powerful experience at Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulcher. She will complete her sacraments of initiation at Pentecost, joining others like Ethan Fender, 25, who once dismissed religion as 'for fools' but now follows Jesus Christ. Their preparation takes place at Monaco's Church of St. Devota, named for the principality's patron saint, an early Christian martyr from Corsica.
Deacon Simon Ardiss, who leads the Christian initiation courses, notes this year's group is the largest in ten years. Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV has urged catechumens to place full trust in the Lord and dedicate themselves to God and others. In France, the Easter Vigil will see more than 20,000 catechumens baptized, up from 17,400 in 2025. That year, over 10,000 adults and 7,400 teenagers aged 11–17 were baptized, though reasons for the increase remain unclear.
The Easter ceremonies will mark a significant moment for Monaco's 70 catechumens, including Boutsen and Bizzoca, as they formally join the Church. With baptisms rising across France, this year's figures highlight a growing interest in Catholic initiation. The process will culminate in sacraments received at Pentecost and the Easter Vigil.
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