90 years ago today, Bérenger Saunière, the beloved protagonist of Rennes-le-Château lore, passed from this mortal realm. On reflection, his death was nearly as enigmatic as his life.

Bérenger Saunière: 1852-1917

Many speculate whether Saunière was murdered, like father Gelis (fatal blows to the head) and father Boudet (apparent poisoning) before him? Perhaps not, but having suffered an attack on the most inauspicious of days, the 17th of January, only to die on the 22nd; two numbers that occur with peculiar regularity in the legend, well it’s nothing if not poetic, contrived, and somewhat suspicious. Or is it just coincidental?

What’s more, Saunière passed away a mere two months after the death of Franz Joseph, the Hapsburg Emperor of Austria-Hungary. Many believe Joseph orchestrated the priest’s ‘discovery’ and acted as his benevolent guardian thereafter, accounting for the priest’s apparent wealth.

Franz Joseph – died on November 21st 1916

Legend states that Saunière’s last rites were administered by father Rivière, who would never smile again, and that on the day of his funeral, villagers paid their last respects by removing a tassel form the priest’s casket in remembrance. While both accounts appear to be more myth than reality, like so many aspects of the legend, they have become embroiled as fact in the mystery.

In the years following his death, Saunière suffered the indignity of mistaken identity. Not only would many writers mistake the priest for his brother Alfred – who was also a man of god – but many began to mistake him for father Jean, from the Monastery of Fontfroide, who is pictured eyes shut, on his death bed.

Alfred Saunière; a photo often mistaken for his brother Bérenger
(Some believe this image is also used on Saunière’s tombstone)

Father Jean’s death bed photo; mistakenly thought to be Saunière’s

One could argue that the indignities have continued until this very day, as Saunière’s body was recently relocated outside of hallowed ground.

Saunière relocated tombstone – outside or hallowed ground

Today, most believe that Saunière’s wealth was in some way shape or form attributable to the sale of masses, prayers or rituals he performed on behalf of others for a fee. In hindsight, it would appear that others must have said a mass or two on his behalf, for Saunière’s memory has been preserved in myth and legend like few others.

Bérenger Saunière we remember you today, 90 years on. Rest in peace.

Bérenger Saunière: R.I.P
(The face of Bérenger or his brother Alfred?)