Description :
This episode of Radio Pays is part of the Tramontana Network (Réseau Tramontana), a European cooperation project co-funded by the European Union, dedicated to preserving and sharing the oral heritage, memories and cultural traditions of rural communities. Through the series Orality and Humanity, Radio Pays records and broadcasts the testimonies of local people whose experiences contribute to the collective memory of the Pyrenean region.
The programme continues its tribute to the late Justin Laban, priest, educator and committed defender of the Béarnais language and culture. In this instalment, he reflects on the values that guided rural life, stressing the importance of keeping one’s eyes and heart open to others, valuing work, responsibility and solidarity. Drawing on memories of agricultural life and community traditions, he recalls how neighbours worked together, shared meals and supported one another, illustrating a strong sense of mutual aid that characterised village life.
The conversation concludes with Justin Laban recounting a local tradition linked to Bernadette of Lourdes, passing on an anecdote that had been transmitted through generations. By combining personal memories, religious heritage and rural customs, the programme highlights the importance of oral storytelling as a means of preserving local identity and ensuring that the history, language and values of the community continue to be remembered.