Pellevoisin: Apparitions, History, Messages, Prayers
In 1876, the Holy Virgin appeared 15 times to Estelle Faguette at Pellevoisin. These apparitions of Our Lady followed a letter written by the young woman asking for healing to support her elderly parents. The Holy Virgin announced that the Lord would heal her—a promise fulfilled during the fifth apparition. The Virgin Mary then revealed the Scapular of the Sacred Heart, instructing Estelle to spread devotion to it. At Pellevoisin, Our Lady identified herself as "All Merciful Mother."
History of the Pellevoisin Apparitions
Who is Estelle Faguette?
Estelle Faguette worked as a maid for the Countess de la Rochefoucauld. At 32, she contracted tuberculous peritonitis, and doctors declared her illness incurable. Deeply devoted to the Holy Virgin since childhood, Estelle wrote a letter to Our Lady with childlike trust, asking her to intercede with her Son for healing so she could care for her elderly, solitary parents. Near death, Estelle was taken to her parents' home in Pellevoisin.
The Apparitions of Mary
On the night of February 14–15, 1876, the Virgin Mary answered Estelle's letter by appearing at the foot of her bed. She said: "Do not fear; you know you are my daughter, do you not?" Then added: "Courage, be patient; my Son will be moved. You will suffer five more days in honor of my Son’s five wounds. By Saturday, you will be dead or healed. If my Son restores your life, I want you to proclaim my glory."
During the fifth apparition on February 19, 1876, Mary obtained Estelle’s healing from her Son.
In the seventh apparition on July 2, 1876, Mary called for prayer for sinners: "His Heart (her Son’s) has such love for mine that He cannot refuse my requests. Through me, He will touch the hardest hearts." "I have come especially for the conversion of sinners."
During the ninth apparition on September 9, 1876, Our Lady revealed Estelle’s mission: to spread devotion to the Scapular of the Sacred Heart. Estelle testified:
"The Virgin told me: ‘For a long time, my Son’s treasures have been open; let them pray.’ Saying this, She lifted the small woolen piece on Her chest... I saw a bright red heart. I immediately thought it was the Scapular of the Sacred Heart. Raising it, She said: ‘I love this devotion,’ and ‘This is where I will be honored.’"
The final apparition occurred on December 8, 1876, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Estelle recounted:
"After High Mass today, I saw that sweet Mother again. She was more beautiful than ever, surrounded by Her garland of roses as in July. At first, She remained silent as before; then She said: ‘My daughter, remember my words.’ At that moment, I relived all Her words since February... Among them, I saw many others again. I will keep them secret. All this passed quickly. The Holy Virgin kept looking at me; She said: ‘Repeat them often; may they strengthen and console you in trials. You will see me no more.’ I cried out: What will become of me without You, my Good Mother? The Holy Virgin replied: ‘I will be invisibly near you.’"
On April 30, 1876, Estelle—fully healed—placed an ex-voto in the parish church inscribed:
"I invoked Mary at the height of my misery. She obtained my complete healing from her Son."
The Virgin had shown her this ex-voto during the first apparitions.
After the apparitions, Estelle resumed her humble work. As foretold by the Virgin, she endured great suffering: humiliations, lies, slander, and opposition hindered her mission. At 80, she joined the Dominican Third Order. She died six years later; her tomb bears the Virgin’s words: "Be simple."
Church Recognition
In 1877, the Bishop of Bourges authorized devotion to Our Lady of Pellevoisin. Estelle’s room became a chapel where pilgrims gathered. In 1892, Pope Leo XIII granted a plenary indulgence for pilgrimages to Pellevoisin. In 1893, Dominicans settled near the chapel to welcome pilgrims. The Scapular of the Sacred Heart—as seen by Estelle on the Virgin—was officially approved by Leo XIII in 1900, and the Pope encouraged the faithful to wear it.
Pellevoisin is one of five 19th-century Marian apparition sites in France, alongside:
Rue du Bac in Paris (1830)
La Salette (1846)
Lourdes (1858)
Pontmain (1871)
Discover other Marian apparition sites in France: Le Laus (1664–1718), Kerizinen (1938–1965), Île Bouchard (1947).
Sanctuary of Pellevoisin
Since devotion was authorized in 1877, bishops of the Archdiocese of Bourges (except Bishop Servonnet in 1900) have supported the apparitions. Pilgrim numbers grew steadily, and the sanctuary’s influence expanded across France and internationally. In 2020, Bishop Beau formally opened Estelle Faguette’s beatification cause. He also consecrated his diocese to the Two United Hearts of Jesus and Mary and solemnly crowned the Virgin of Pellevoisin.
Messages of the Virgin Mary at Pellevoisin
France (September 15, 1876)
"The Holy Virgin told me sadly (She was not crying): ‘And France! What have I not done for her! How many warnings, yet still she refuses to listen! I can no longer restrain my Son.’ She seemed moved, adding: ‘France will suffer.’ She emphasized these words. Then She paused and resumed: ‘Courage and trust.’"
The Scapular of the Sacred Heart (December 8, 1876)
Estelle recounted the Virgin’s words about the scapular:
"‘See the graces I pour on those who wear it with trust and help you propagate it.’ Saying this, the Holy Virgin extended Her hands; a heavy rain fell, and in each drop, I saw graces written: piety, salvation, trust, conversion, health—in short, all kinds of graces, great and small. Then the Holy Virgin added: ‘These graces come from my Son; I take them from His Heart. He cannot refuse me.’"
Prayer to Our Lady of Pellevoisin
Intercessory Prayer for Estelle’s Beatification
Most loving Father,
Whose glory shines
In the fruits of grace
The Holy Spirit produces in Your children,
I thank You for showing Your mercy
By healing through Mary’s intercession
Your servant Estelle Faguette.
Grant that I may entrust myself to Mary,
All Merciful Mother, as she did.
Deign to glorify Your servant Estelle,
And through her prayers, grant me
The favor I now ask (mention your request).
Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord.
Pray to the Virgin Mary with Hozana!
The Virgin Mary has appeared across France and worldwide to lead generations back to her Son. She gives us powerful means to overcome evil on Earth and in our lives. Discover prayer communities responding to her call:
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