The story of our Lady Of VOULONS (Notre Dame de Voulons)

Just outside our chambres d'hotes is a small shrine with a 900 year old wooden statue of the Virgin Mary and child.

As the name The Ancient Presbytery suggests used to be an old Presbytery where the priest resided. Attached to the presbytery are two houses belonging to our neighbours these used to be the old church and chapel originally the Virgin Mary was situated inside the church.

When the church and chapel were turned into houses the Virgin Mary was moved to a shrine on the outside of our barn which is still visible today.

Unfortunately the presbytery was left to become derelict and Mr Robert Braze another of our neighbours, fearful that the statue would become damaged contacted the local Mairie and requested that he build the shrine that stands outside now and move the Virgin Mary for safe keeping.

On the 1st May every year there is a religious ceremony and procession to the 4 crosses situated around the hamlet and at accession the local Carmelite nuns visit and sing like angels to the Virgin Mary.

 

Click on the image for a larger version.

There is a unique celebration every 7 years in this area of France. The Ostensions, which have been celebrated for over 1000 years, involve the exhibition of all the religous relics of the Limousin saints in the churches which are visited by the faithful, and not so faithful.

The relics, often ancient works of art and golden antiquities are carried around the Ostension towns in processions along decorated roads. The Ostension procession from Le Dorat includes a pilgrimage to Notre Dame De Voulons.