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1871Holy See Approved

Our Lady of Pontmain

Pontmain, France

Visionaries: Eugene Barbedette (12), Joseph Barbedette (10), Francoise Richer (11), Jeanne-Marie Lebosse (9)

Overview

During the Franco-Prussian War, as Prussian troops advanced toward the village of Pontmain in northwestern France, four children saw the Blessed Virgin Mary appear in the night sky above a neighbor's house. She was dressed in a dark blue gown covered with golden stars and wore a blue veil and a golden crown. A message appeared letter by letter on a white banner beneath her: 'But pray, my children. God will hear you in a short time. My Son allows Himself to be moved.' Within 11 days of the apparition, an armistice was signed and the Prussian troops withdrew.

History

On the evening of January 17, 1871, Eugene Barbedette, age 12, stepped outside the family barn and saw a beautiful lady hovering in the starry sky. His younger brother Joseph also saw her. Two other children, Francoise Richer and Jeanne-Marie Lebosse, independently confirmed the vision. Adults could not see the apparition but observed that the children's descriptions matched perfectly. The apparition lasted about three hours, during which the message appeared gradually. The village priest led the community in prayer throughout. Remarkably, the Prussian advance stopped that very night, and an armistice was signed on January 28, 1871.

Location

Basilica of Our Lady of Hope, Pontmain

Pontmain, France

48.4389, -1.0583

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Pilgrim Voices

Testimonies, experiences, and reviews from our community

Pilgrim ExperienceVisited May 2025

My visit to Our Lady of Pontmain

My pilgrimage to Our Lady of Pontmain in Pontmain was a turning point in my spiritual life. I went expecting a nice trip and came home with a renewed faith. The other pilgrims I met there became friends, and we still keep in touch.

February 1, 2026

Pilgrim ExperienceVisited December 2025

My visit to Our Lady of Pontmain

The shrine at Our Lady of Pontmain in Pontmain is well organized for pilgrims, with clear information about the apparition history. I appreciated the balance of devotion and education. The outdoor areas are perfect for quiet reflection.

January 8, 2026

Pilgrim ExperienceVisited May 2025

My visit to Our Lady of Pontmain

My pilgrimage to Our Lady of Pontmain in Pontmain was a turning point in my spiritual life. I went expecting a nice trip and came home with a renewed faith. The other pilgrims I met there became friends, and we still keep in touch.

November 30, 2025