Apparition of Saint Joseph in Cotignac
Cotignac (Var, France) is called the Village of the Holy Family because apparitions of the Virgin Mary (1519) and Saint Joseph (1660) occurred there. While tending his flock on Mount Bessillon, a young shepherd encountered Saint Joseph, who showed him a spring. Discover the history of the apparitions of Saint Joseph, the sanctuary, and Cotignac’s powerful prayers to Saint Joseph.
History of the Cotignac Apparitions
Apparition of the Virgin Mary in Cotignac
On August 10, 1519, the Blessed Virgin appeared with Saint Michael the Archangel and Saint Bernard to a devout man named Jean de la Baume in the fields. Our Lady asked Jean to organize a procession to Mont Verdaille and build a church dedicated to Our Lady of Grace, promising abundant graces for those invoking her there.
The Virgin Grants an Heir to King Louis XIII
During an apparition to Brother Fiacre (Augustinian convent, Paris), the Virgin Mary requested three novenas be prayed by the Queen to obtain a child—heir to the French throne. After 20 childless years, Louis XIII and Anne of Austria complied. Brother Fiacre prayed these novenas for the Queen: the first to Our-Lady-of-Grace, the second to Notre-Dame de Paris, the third to Notre-Dame des Victoires. The prayers ended December 5, 1637—nine months before the dauphin’s birth. In gratitude, King Louis XIII consecrated France to the Virgin Mary on February 10, 1638 (the "Vow of Louis XIII"), renewed annually on the Feast of the Assumption (August 15). In 1660, the Queen and dauphin made a pilgrimage to Cotignac, leaving a thanksgiving plaque.
The Apparition of Saint Joseph
Gaspard Ricard, a 22-year-old shepherd, tended sheep on Mount Bessillon on June 7, 1660. Parched in the heat, he saw a man beside him point to a rock, saying: “I am Joseph. Lift it, and you will drink.” Hesitant, Gaspard froze until the man repeated the command. The shepherd effortlessly lifted the rock, revealing a spring. After drinking, he alerted the village. Faithful villagers verified the flowing water and the rock—which later required eight men to move. Many infirm pilgrims were healed at the spring.
An oratory was immediately built at the site. In 1663, a larger chapel was consecrated (still standing today). A beam bears this inscription from Isaiah the Prophet: “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation” (Isaiah 12:3). Oratorian Fathers from Our-Lady-of-Grace managed the sanctuary, establishing a small convent.
Sanctuaries of Cotignac
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Grace
Erected after the 1519 apparition.
Saint Joseph du Bessillon Sanctuary in Cotignac
Renowned for answered prayers, especially granted requests for children, evidenced by countless ex-votos. Since 1981, the Brothers of Saint John community have managed the sanctuary, hosting retreats. The "Holy Family House" welcomes pilgrims. Many pilgrimages occur here, especially for parents and couples hoping for children.
Prayer to Saint Joseph to Ask for the Grace of a Child
Saint Joseph, image of God the Father, father of God the Son, spouse of Mary, Mother of all mothers, you who carried in your arms Him who holds all things in His hands: obtain for us the grace to participate in the gift of life, that we may see in the child granted to us a living sign of God’s presence in our home. Protect our love, that it may bear fruit, so that tomorrow another voice may rise with ours to praise God, another heart to love Him, another life to witness to His fatherly goodness. Through Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Pray to Saint Joseph with Hozana!
Pray the to entrust your intentions.
Pray the —entrust your family, all trials or crises. Saint Joseph bears these burdens and resolves difficulties.
Pray !
