Pilgrim sacrifices his life to save the Shrine of Altoetting

On November 18, 1980, Pope Saint John Paul II visited the Shrine of Altoetting in Bavaria, the most famous and oldest Marian shrine in southern Germany. This shrine dates back to Carolingian times and the bishop Saint Rupert.

During the pilgrimage season, the nighttime torchlight procession ends in front of the Gnadenkapelle as the faithful cry out: "Come to my help O Mary, come to my help also! Before you I stand, a sinner! O Mother of Mercy, stay close to me on the day of my last agony!" Even more moving is the unique custom of carrying a wooden cross on one's shoulders and walking three times around the chapel, praying and imploring the Mother of Sorrows that God forgive one’s sins.

Several historical figures asked to be buried, or have their heart placed in an urn, under the paving stones of the holy chapel, among them dukes and kings of the Wittelsbach royal branch (family of the famous Empress Elisabeth "Sissi" of Austria).

It is alleged that during WWII, seeing the arrival of the American army, the Nazi SS troops hid in the convent of Altoetting after shooting the eldest monk. The Americans ordered them to turn on the electric lights or they would bomb the place. The Nazis refused, but a brave pilgrim rushed to turn on the lights, paying with his life this courageous act while saving the shrine from destruction.

Marie de Nazareth