Antagnod
François Victor Amé Dandrès
A native of Fontainemore (Gressoney), François Victor Amé Dandrès (1791–1866) served as parish priest of Ayas from 1817 to 1866; he was an extraordinary and prominent figure within the clergy of the Aosta Valley at the time and remains fondly remembered by the community.
His name is linked not only to the reconstruction of the parish church of Antagnod dedicated to Saint Martin — which he furnished with valuable fittings and vestments — and to the raising of its bell tower, but also to the construction and restoration of numerous chapels throughout Ayas. Aware of the fundamental importance of education, he carried out an intense pastoral ministry aimed at the promotion of schools.
The founding of the Asilo-Convitto (boarding school) of Antagnod dates back to 1836. In 1849 he received from the King of Italy Victor Emmanuel II the cross of Knight of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus in recognition of the good he had brought to the community of Ayas. His mortal remains are preserved in the church of San Martino, where a commemorative plaque has been affixed.
“Every year of his long stay in Ayas was marked by the construction, restoration, or embellishment of some sacred building; the chapels of Champoluc, Périasc, Bizous, Vascoccia, Souzum, Oliva, Antagnod were built or rebuilt anew, and that of Cornu was completed; those of Barmasc, Pracharbon, Magnéaz, Mandriou, Mascognaz, Cunéeaz, and Frachey were restored.”
from Various Authors, Ayas, storia, usi, costumi e tradizioni della valle, Edizioni Società Guide di Champoluc-Ayas, Musumeci, Aosta, 1986