The chapel of miracles remained completely intact

In Orléans (France), near the Loire River, the parish church of Saint Paul had a side chapel called "Our Lady of Miracles" with a very ancient statue of a Black Madonna to whom many faithful came to pray. Saint Joan of Arc herself came to pray there in May 1429.

In June 1940, the Germans bombed the national road that passed through the city and destroyed a large portion of the historic district, including Saint Paul Church. But the chapel with the statue of "Our Lady of Miracles" remained completely intact. Older parishioners tell the story of a chair that stood halfway between the main sanctuary and that side chapel which was charred on the main church side and remained intact on the chapel side. Not one ex-voto had burned.

After the war, the diocese decided not to rebuild the church but to restore the chapel of miracles that was still standing. This chapel is now a popular center of devotion in Orleans, where people come to pray, go to confession and attend Mass.

François Maurin

Office of Historical Archives, Diocese of Orléans, France