Notre-Dame de France in Puy-en-Velay: A High Place of Pilgrimage and Devotion
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The statue of Our Lady of France in Le Puy-en-Velay is a major monument of the Catholic faith in France, attracting thousands of pilgrims and worshipers each year. Atop the majestic Corneille Rock, it overlooks the city, symbolizing the maternal protection of the Virgin Mary over our country and all those who come seeking peace, comfort, and spiritual guidance.
The History of Notre-Dame de France in Puy-en-Velay
Inaugurated in 1860, this imposing statue of the Virgin Mary stands 16 metres tall. It was erected in gratitude for peace, with the support of Emperor Napoleon III and the French people, after the Crimean War. The statue, crafted from the bronze of captured cannons, embodies a message of transformation, transforming a symbol of war into a work of faith and devotion. It recalls the power of Mary as an intercessor and protector, invoked here as Our Lady of Peace.
The choice of the site, the Corneille rock, reinforces the presence of the statue as a place of prayer and meditation. For more than 150 years, Notre-Dame de France in Puy-en-Velay has invited each visitor to turn their gaze and heart towards God, under the protection of Mary.
The Statue of Our Lady of France, a Symbol of Faith and Hope
Beyond its history, the statue of Our Lady of France in Puy-en-Velay represents for Catholics a tangible reminder of the maternal protection of the Holy Virgin. For pilgrims on the road to Santiago de Compostela, this place of prayer is a stage of devotion. They come to deposit their intentions and find strength and consolation under the benevolent gaze of the Mother of God.
Our Lady of France embodies the Marian virtues: purity, obedience and love. She calls the faithful to live in peace and faith, even in trials, and to entrust themselves to her intercession.
Discover our Statuettes of Our Lady of France, Prayer Souvenir
To extend this devotion at home, you can purchase a statuette of Our Lady of France, carefully crafted and hand-painted to capture the grace of the Blessed Virgin. Available in our shop, this statuette of Our Lady of France is a reminder of her protection and a support for your daily prayer. It can also be a precious gift for those who wish to strengthen their faith or feel close to the Blessed Virgin in their daily lives.