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Origin and history

The church of Sainte-Catherine de Loix, first mentioned in 1379, is erected in a parish by Bernard II du Sault, bishop of Saintes. Although its exact date of construction remains unknown, it underwent major changes as early as the seventeenth century, including the renovation of its roof in 1627, the addition of baptismal fonts between 1636 and 1642, and the construction of a sacristy before 1653. These developments reflect its central role in Loix's community life, which was marked by growing agricultural and maritime activity.

The French Revolution marks a dramatic turning point for the building. In 1793, some of his objects of worship were melted at the Monnaie de La Rochelle, while his parish priest, Oreillan, and an accomplice, Aunis, were executed for trying to save sacred vases. The church, which became a temple of Reason, saw its furniture sold at auction in 1794. This episode illustrates the tensions between revolutionary power and religious heritage in the region.

In the 19th century, the church underwent a major reconstruction after the partial collapse of its structure in 1827. The architect Antoine Brossard supervised the works between 1830 and 1831, followed by repairs to the bell tower by Félix Bonnaudet in 1832 and the restoration of the bell in 1843. Other developments, such as the construction of a baptismal chapel in 1873 or work on stained glass windows in 1877, highlight its architectural and liturgical evolution.

The twentieth century consecrated its communal anchor: after the 1905 law on the separation of churches and the state, it became the property of Loix, and the republican motto was engraved on its pediment. The renovations of the 1980s and 2008, as well as the installation of contemporary stained glass windows by Aramis Pentecost, testify to its heritage vitality. A video by Jean-Jacques Goldman was even shot there in 1983, adding a popular cultural touch.

The church houses two remarkable ex-voto sailors: a model of the frigate of the 18th–18th century, with republican colours, and that of the Tikocco, with the relief of the Fastnet drama (1979). Offered by skipper Claude Caillere, the latter symbolizes recognition for divine protection, thus linking local maritime history to the spirituality of the place.

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