Struggling to fund the restoration of the cathedral's antique organ, the priest from St.-Flour, a small town in France's heartland, devised a unique method to raise money. He transformed one of the bell towers into a curing workshop, allowing local farmers to hang their hams to dry.
For nearly two years, after receiving approval from a local bishop, the hams swayed peacefully in the cathedral's north tower, generating essential funds and delighting charcuterie enthusiasts. This unusual initiative took a turn when a heritage inspector discovered a grease stain on the tower floor and cited the hams as a fire hazard. Following this, the inspector demanded their removal in a December 2023 report, prompting the cathedral to defy the order, escalating the situation to Rachida Dati, the culture minister of France.
The dispute over the St.-Flour hams sparked widespread criticism, showcasing how bureaucratic oversight can stifle community-driven solutions. Furthermore, it underscored a broader concern afflicting aging churches across France: the struggle for funds to maintain the nation's vast religious heritage.
Since the French Revolution, church properties have been under state control, yet both national and local governments have consistently faced difficulties in securing money needed for maintenance and restoration of these historical buildings. This creative yet contentious approach serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity for innovative funding solutions in preserving France's rich religious history.
