The Blessed Virgin of the Oak

In 1494, since people had noticed that doves often flew and lights shined around a certain oak tree, Father James Buret placed a statuette of the Blessed Virgin in that oak tree. This is how the exterior shrine came to be. One day in the chapel (built in 1515), an invalid from a nearby village was healed on the spot. There have been many more healings in that chapel as well as spiritual enlightenment. At Our Lady of the Oak, a large number of people have received their divine call to become priests, monks or nuns. Elisabeth de Quatrebarbes came to the chapel to seek guidance on her vocation. She clearly felt the presence of Saint Teresa of Avila behind her and perceived that she must enter the Carmel. This happened in 1617, and Saint Teresa had died in 1582. A woman obtained the healing of her deformed child by coming to pray the Blessed Virgin in the chapel every day for a six-week period in 1621. This is an example of perseverance and faith through prayer and supplication. It is also a sign of what Mary does: she prays for us and obtains our healing. A Spiritual Center for the diocese of Le Mans was opened in 1978. In 1994, a new period of restoration of the site began in order to meet modern standards and requirements. Every year, around 70,000 pilgrims pass through the shrine of Our Lady of the Oak (Notre-Dame du Chene). Perhaps you will have the opportunity to visit the shrine yourself one day!