Carenage is known for its picturesque view of the Gulf. Nestled in small bay named L’Anse Paoua a chapel was constructed by a priest called Abbé Poujade.

The fisherman in the area, brought rocks to the construction site and the women of the area worked on the erection of the chapel under the vigilant eye of Fr Abbé.

 The chapel was completed and blessed in 1876. It was called Notre Dame de la Mer, the chapel was dedicated to “Our Lady of the Sea and St Peter.” A large statue of St Peter stood on the grounds of the chapel on the sea side.

The chapel became the focal point for the blessing of the boats on St Peter’s Day, the fishermen brought their boat to the bay where the chapel stood to be blessed by the parish priest.

Painting of the "Notre Dame de la Mer" Chapel in the early years

The chapel was the pride and joy of the village, but as the years rolled on the chapel became ramshackle and was left teeming with weeds and bushes.

The Notre Dame de la Mer chapel was refurbished by the Ministry of Works and on Saturday, July 28, Archbishop Edward Gilbert blessed the chapel and celebrated Mass at the newly refurbished chapel.

In his homily the Archbishop emphasised to the parishioners and specially invited guests the importance of the chapel being open to the public and serving as a historical landmark.

Parish priest Fr Carlyle Guiseppi CSSp encouraged his parishioners to cherish this chapel and not allow it to become dilapidated.

Some 100 parishioners attended the blessing of the Chapel. The President of the Incoming Tour Operators Association Lorraine, Pouchet, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Tour Guide Association Greer Constant, Theresa Thompson-Beard and Nelson Sinnette were among the many invited guests present.

Artist Adrian Camps-Campins designed cards with a picture of the chapel in the early days along with the history of the chapel. These were sold at the dedication.

The Notre Dame de La Mer Chapel now stands once again as a point of blessing for all who live in Carenage and also for all who visit this little piece of history that rests in a small bay called L’Anse Paoua.

Once again the fishermen have a place where they can seek spiritual protection from St Peter, as their forefathers did many centuries ago.