More than a year after the disappearance of little Émile, his family will finally be able to organize his funeral. Here is all the information regarding this ceremony.
The funeral of Émile Soleil, the child whose disappearance on July 8, 2023 in Vernet (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence) shocked France, will soon take place. According to information from BFM YOU SAY, This ceremony will take place in two stages: a public mass at the Sainte-Marie-Madeleine basilica of Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, in the Var, followed a burial in the strictest family privacy at the Haut-Vernet cemetery. The funeral is planned for Saturday February 8, 2025.
The little boy’s family chose the Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, an emblematic place for Christians, for the celebration of the mass. “It is a ceremony of thanksgiving for the life of this child and of contemplation for his departure,” explains Monsignor Dominique Rey, bishop of the diocese of Fréjus-Toulon, to BFM YOU SAY.
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A religious ceremony in a symbolic place
Although he cannot be present due to “from an agenda constraint”, Monsignor Rey underlines the importance of this moment of prayer: “The child’s loved ones are in suffering but they are deeply Christian and religious. They are in Hope”. The basilica, where the relics of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine rest, is a major place of pilgrimage in Provence, having welcomed kings of France and many faithful over the centuries. Father Florian Racine, parish priest of Saint-Maximin, adds that it is a place “which brings together pilgrims, the illustrious as well as the most humble. Charles de Foucauld, for example, came here.”
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The priest specifies that the basilica was also chosen for its capacity to accommodate a large number of people. “We know that this ceremony will be covered by the media and we expect a lot of people,” he indicates. A priest close to the family will officiate for this mass, while Father Racine will be present to ensure the smooth running of the event.
A private burial in Haut-Vernet
After the mass, Emile’s burial will be held in the strictest family privacy. If the family village of La Bouilladisse had been considered, it was ultimately the Haut-Vernet cemetery, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, which was chosen. According to information from BFM YOU SAY, the boy’s parents approached the Vernet municipal council to organize this final tribute. “This little one must rest in peace. And if it is in Haut-Vernet that this is done, he is at home here.” confides a resident of the hamlet.
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The final decision, however, depends on the authorization of the investigating judges in charge of the case, who must return the child’s bones to his family. This decision is expected by the end of January, after nearly ten months of waiting since the discovery of Émile’s body in March 2024. The tragic death of Émile Soleil remains surrounded by many questions. This ceremony, marked by deep contemplation, will allow his loved ones as well as all those who have been upset by this affair to pay him a last tribute.
Passionate about women’s news, Agathe has been deciphering the latest trends for aufeminin since 2022. Her favorite areas? Psychology, nutrition and well-being advice, without forgetting the tips…
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