“Pray for us.” These words are etched into the stone of Sainte-Odile.
Welcome to Sainte-Odile in Lille. This Catholic wayside cross stands as a silent sentinel. It has watched over this area since 1938.
Sainte-Odile is more than just stone and inscription. It is a testament to faith. It is a landmark. It is a place for reflection.
The story of Sainte-Odile starts with its name. Saint Odilia is the patron saint of Alsace. Legend says she stayed in Scherwiller. This is where her nurse came from. Scherwiller became an important pilgrimage site. In 1836, a relic of the saint was transported from Mount Sainte-Odile. This relic came from her tomb.
The Chapel of St. Odilia in Scherwiller has a long history. A chapel existed on that site as far back as 1118. In 1298, it became a parish church.
Inside that chapel, you could find several significant religious artifacts. A painting depicted the infant Jesus with his mother. Another painting by Carola Sorg told the story of St. Odilia. The altar held a reliquary of St. Odilia. The patron saint held an abbess’ crook and a book of eyes. The Holy Family was at the top of the altar.
The chapel faced destruction in 1525. Duke Antoine de Lorraine’s soldiers set fire to Scherwiller. The chapel was rebuilt in 1528. It remained a popular pilgrimage site in the 18th century.
In 1853, the Viscount and Baron of Beaufranchet donated the chapel. They gave it to the commune of Scherwiller. They stipulated that a mass be celebrated annually on February 3. This was for the repose of the souls of the donors.
The Scherwiller church council undertook a major restoration in 2015. This included interior renovation and reconstruction of the bell tower. The new bell tower is identical to the original one.
Here in Lille, Sainte-Odile reminds us of that chapel’s story. It was erected in 1938. Consider the people who paused here. They might have offered a prayer. They might have sought solace. They were connecting to something larger than themselves.
Take a moment to reflect on your own journey. What are you seeking? What do you hope to find? Perhaps Sainte-Odile can offer a moment of peace. Perhaps it can offer a moment of clarity.
As we continue our tour, remember Sainte-Odile. Remember its simple inscription. Remember the power of faith and remembrance.