OUR LADY OF THE OAK SHRINE

In 1494, the parish priest of Vion, James Buret, placed a statuette of the Virgin Mary in an oak tree so that the faithful could come and pray there. Following multiple miraculous cures, a first chapel was built in 1515. It was there that the Virgin appeared to a woman who was gathering wood in 1595. New healings gave a new impetus to pilgrimages. The chapel was closed during the French Revolution, but was not damaged. In 1872, it was demolished to make way for the construction of a large neo-Gothic basilica and to accommodate the diocesan missionary priests. In 1896, a reproduction of the building of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem was built. It was at this time that pilgrimages to the Holy Land began to develop. This reproduction, one of the few in France to be built entirely in the open air, has suffered from numerous damages, which has led to restoration work in recent years. Today, the centre welcomes pilgrims and offers accommodation and meals for retreats, sessions and meetings. On the ground floor, guests will find the reception office, the oratory and its sacristy, a teaching room, the small lounge as well as several bedrooms and two dining rooms. On the two floors of the house are the majority of the rooms with sanitary facilities on each floor. The spiritual animation of the centre is assured by the community of Saint John. They provide the liturgy in the basilica as well as in some surrounding parishes.

Services : Masses at 11am and 6.30pm. Adoration at 5pm.

Accommodation : maximum capacity of 80 places in individual rooms with two or three beds, or in mini-dormitories. Catering provided on site for board or half board. Also: possibility of renting "La Bellangerie" 50 metres from the basilica, a fully equipped house for families, groups or associations.

Shop : the pilgrim's shop offers a large choice of religious books and objects, books related to the liturgy, statues, statuettes and santons. Opening hours: every day from 2 to 5.45 pm, Saturday from 10 to 11 am and 2 to 5.45 pm, Sunday from 10 to 11 am, after the 11 am mass, from 2.30 to 5.45 pm.

Visits : free access, the copy of the Holy Sepulchre, the great organ restored in 2015, the many murals and paintings of the basilica.