Notre-Dame du Laus

According to legend, it is above the village of Saint-Etienne-le-Laus, that the Virgin Mary first appeared to the shepherdess Benoîte Rencurel in May 1664. Over the course of her appearances, the Virgin requested the construction of a church and a house for the priests in the hamlet of Laus, in order to attract Christians looking to follow a path of conversion. Benoîte died aged 74, she was acknowledged as a saint due to the fervour of her prayers, her patience, her gentle welcome to pilgrims and her obedience to the church. 

Today the Sanctuary is the spiritual centre of the diocese of Gap, a place for rest and contemplation. Mary’s appearances were officially recognised by the Church and proclaimed on 4th May 2008. Notre-Dame du Laus is one of France’s major sites for pilgrims and is a place that encourages you to discover the rich cultural heritage of the Hautes-Alpes by following the Via Alta that includes Boscodon and Embrun.

 

 

 

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