The story of the Notre-Dame du Chêne begins in 1494 with a most unusual event – a giant oak tree that pulsated with divine light. The tree was a spectacle, attracting attention for its brilliant lights and circling doves. The church of Vion’s abbot, James Buret, worried about the tree’s potential pagan affiliation. In an act of faith, he placed a statuette of the Virgin Mary into the hollow of the oak. The tree’s miraculous lights soon subsided. The villagers believed this was a sign that the Virgin Mary had blessed the tree.
This simple act of faith changed the village of Vion forever. The small oak tree became the focus of pilgrimages with people seeking the blessing of the Virgin Mary for healing and guidance. The original oratory built around the oak was soon deemed too small for the growing number of pilgrims. In 1515, a dedicated chapel was erected. But the popularity continued to grow, which led to a large basilica being constructed between 1869 and 1872. In 1894, it even received the title of Basilica.
The statue of the Virgin Mary, known as Notre-Dame du Chêne, is still revered to this day. The basilica stands as a testament to her continuous presence, a beacon in the heart of the countryside. You can still see this miraculous oak trunk in the basilica! Its branches now reach up into the stained glass windows of the nave, where they seem to almost dance with the sunlight streaming through. It’s a symbol of faith and devotion, reminding us that even the most ordinary things can hold an extraordinary power.