Maurice the hunter discovered a statue. This led to the story of Sentier Notre-Dame de Grace. This path holds a special place in local history. It connects to a story of faith and discovery.
Sentier Notre-Dame de Grace has an interesting story. Legend says that around 1138, a young hunter named Maurice was caught in a storm. He sought shelter and discovered a hidden statue of the Virgin Mary. It was said that the statue had been hidden around 850 to protect it from Norman pillards.
Maurice’s discovery became a local sensation. He took the statue to his home. Villagers often visited it. People believed that the statue caused many miracles. This led to the creation of a chapel in 1590. It was built where Maurice found the statue.
However, there is another version of the story. Some say Saint Bernard visited Loos after severe floods in 1140. They say the abbots of Saint Bernard hid the statue in the tree. These abbots founded the Cistercian abbey of Loos.
Around 1146, the Countess of Flanders and Saint Bernard visited Maurice. They took the statue to the abbey. During this visit, Saint Bernard met Maurice’s mother, Marguerite. She was blind. Saint Bernard healed her. The statue stayed in the abbey until 1566. Calvinists attacked the area and damaged the local churches. The statue was saved. It was hidden under a lime tree dome. It became known as the Virgin of the Lime Tree.
People venerated the statue. Pilgrims visited Loos. By the end of the 16th century, the pilgrimage became famous. People believed that many miracles occurred there.
Sentier Notre-Dame de Grace is linked to the church. The church is dedicated to Notre Dame de Grace. The pilgrimage is a long-standing tradition tied to this. People from all over came to venerate the statue.
The church has been rebuilt several times. Around 1350, the church was rebuilt in Gothic style. In 1835, the church was dedicated to Notre-Dame de Grace. This dedication was by the bishop of Cambrai. It echoed the story of the Virgin Mary’s appearance to Maurice. The Countess Bidé de la Grandville led the reconstruction. It happened between 1833 and 1835. She used her own funds and received help from her stepfather.
Later expansions happened between 1858 and 1860. The cholera outbreak of 1832 increased devotion to Notre Dame de Grace. The population grew. The church needed more space.
The church is built with white and red bricks. It is covered with slates. It measures 300 feet around and is 18 meters high. The architecture is neo-Gothic.
Sentier Notre-Dame de Grace and its church have a rich history. It shows the enduring power of faith. It also highlights local traditions. The story of Maurice the hunter and the Virgin Mary continues to inspire people. The annual Easter Monday pilgrimage remains a significant event. It blends religious devotion. It combines it with local festivities. The path reminds us of the past. It links us to the stories of those who came before us.