A statue of Mary found next to an uprooted oak

“Benoîte-Vaux” (literally "Benedicta's Valley) has been a Marian place of pilgrimage for about 800 years. Surrounded by forests in eastern France, this "Blessed Valley" is one of the oldest places of pilgrimage in the Lorraine area.

One day, according to tradition, some woodcutters were attracted by celestial songs. They followed the music and found a statue of the Virgin Mary at the base of an uprooted oak. Surprised, they decided to build a small oratory for it. A hermit went to live there and later some priests joined him, to welcome the increasing number of pilgrims. In 1180, the bishop of Verdun appealed to the Premonstratensians (Order of Canons Regular of Prémontré, or Norbertines) to operate the shrine.

In the 19th century, the shrine greatly developed. A monastery was built to house a community founded by St Peter Fourier, stations of the Cross and a fountain were added, and Pope Pius IX himself came to crown the statue of Mary on September 8, 1875.

The current church dates from 1705. The statue of the Madonna and Child venerated as "Queen of Peace, Consoler of the Afflicted" represents the Virgin Mary holding an apple (symbolizing sin). Today “Benoîte-Vaux” continues to attract many visitors. Since the departure of the Oblate Fathers of Mary Immaculate in 1972—in residence for 30 years—the site was put in the charge of diocesan priests, and, since 1995, a community of nuns from Alsace have taken up residence.

“Benoîte-Vaux” is a place of reflection and healing for Christians, under the gaze of the Virgin Mary.

“Benoîte-Vaux”