Was it divine inspiration that led to the creation of La Vierge Noire de Montmorency? This statue stands in the woods above Montlignon. It is near the Route de la Seigneurie and the Chateau Larive. La Vierge Noire is a discreet figure in the forest.
André Monneau is a historian of the forest. He reminds us that the statue was erected in 1901. The new owner of Chateau Larive was Abbé Bernard de Mun. He wanted to build a sanctuary dedicated to the Holy Virgin. He thought it would bring benefits to the area.
Paths had to be made. The best place for La Vierge Noire had to be chosen. It was decided to place her in the center of a roundabout. This was on the heights of Montlignon. The work was finished in July 1901. The village priest blessed the statue. This occurred on August 15 1901. Local people attended. People came from the surrounding area. Parisians from the Parish of Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois also came. The Abbé led a patronage there. Many foreigners joined them. A Polish delegation was present.
La Vierge Noire is made of cast iron. It imitates bronze. The statue is 1.70 meters high. It stands on a stone pedestal. The pedestal looks like a rock. Four steps surround it. People can kneel there. The Virgin wears a robe with large folds. She wears a crown. Her hands are open. Her bare feet stand on the horns of the devil. A serpent appears under her right foot. It is a symbol of evil.
The artist of La Vierge Noire is unknown. The reason for the name “Black Virgin” is also unknown. Today the statue is public. The state bought it in 1972. This ensures access for believers and walkers. The site is maintained regularly. Rhododendrons and religious objects surround it.
Sadly La Vierge Noire was vandalized in 2020. Her crown was torn off. Both hands were removed. Her face was also damaged. The altar was vandalized. People came to restore the site. The police were informed. Both hands were recovered.
The ONF was responsible for the restoration. However the estimates were too high. Thankfully the Notre-Dame d’Andilly association stepped in. With support from Cécile Jude, two parishioners helped. Gérard and Frédéric Debel offered to restore the statue. Gérard Debel is a retired craftsman. A parishioner from Montlignon repainted the statue. La Vierge Noire has regained its original splendor.
You won’t see La Vierge Noire from the road. A thicket hides it. Pay attention to the small path that leads to it. La Vierge Noire de Montmorency is a symbol of faith. It is also a testament to community spirit. It stands as a beacon in the forest. It welcomes all who seek solace or a moment of reflection.