91-year-old Frenchman refuses millions fortune: Sends money to save the church.

According to ТСН: The 91-year-old retiree from the French village of La Chapelle-sur-Averon, Raymond Landy, became a national hero because he rejected a substantial inheritance in favor of the local church, which needed urgent renovations. After the death of his brother in 2022, Raymond inherited about 1 million euros (approximately 49.2 million Hryvnias) and decided to spend this money on the restoration of the temple.

Saving the Heart of the Community

Raymond grew up in this small community in the Loire department. For the village of just over 600 residents, losing the church would be a real blow, as it is the main symbol of their life.

“I was born here, I was baptized here, I received my first communion here. I have always lived in La Chapelle,” the retiree poignantly explained his deed.

Landy's decision has garnered admiration among the residents and staff of the nursing home where he lives. In his honor, a commemorative plaque has already been placed in the church.

Quick and Complete Restoration

Thanks to the substantial amount, the restoration of the church will be carried out completely and without delays in funding.

The mayor of the village, Christian Chevalier, emphasized the importance of the temple:

“We are a total of 640 people. The church is our most valuable possession and the heart of our small community.”

He assured that thanks to Raymond's deed, the church can remain in excellent condition for “about another 150 years.”

The project's architect, Antoine Lérich, pointed out that most of the work is planned for spring to autumn 2026 and the entire restoration will take about a year.

This story not only highlights Raymond's dedication to his community but also shows how one person can change the fate of an entire village. The restoration of the church will be an important step in preserving the cultural heritage and identity of La Chapelle-sur-Averon.