France's "small Lourdes" near Nice

Situated at an altitude of over 300 meters, the Shrine of Our Lady of Laghet, in the diocese of Nice (southern France), has a rich history. A chapel existed in the 15th century, and probably as early as the 11th century. The chapel became a place of miracles when, for more than 25 years, a priest from Eze, Don Jacques Figuiera, lovingly cared for it. 

One after another, in the early days of 1652, “prodigies” took place:

- Casanova, suffering from leprosy, was cured by asking the Virgin Mary's intercession as soon as he heard about the chapel;

- Shortly afterwards, also in Monaco, a widow decided, on the advice of a maid from La Turbie, to go to Laghet for nine consecutive days, to ask for the release of her only son who had fallen into the hands of pirates. Warned in a dream, on the second day she actually saw her son return even before the end of her novena;

- the beneficiary of the 3rd miracle was a family from the nearby village of La Turbie. Jacques Aicard had a daughter, Marie, who was mentally disturbed, epileptic and possessed. He begged Don Fighiera to come and pray for her in Laghet. The priest came and immediately the little girl was cured.

Pilgrims flocked from Nice, Monaco, Ventimiglia, San Remo and Oneille. The local bishop, Msgr de Palletis, faithful to the Council of Trent (1545-1663), asked a commission of theologians, assisted by a lawyer and a doctor, to investigate the “facts of Laghet”. Twenty-two of the 36 allegations made over 18 months were found to be true, with neither undesirable agitation nor questionable practices. The devotion was officially approved on December 26, 1653.

Today, diocesan priests and a community of Benedictine nuns of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre run the shrine, which continues to attract visitors from all backgrounds. It offers customized retreats, stays, and personal accompaniment, in a sunny setting pervaded by great Marian peace.

Marian Encyclopedia