Our Lady of Soissons: A Miraculous Legacy

On March 26, we remember Our Lady of Soissons, a remarkable Marian devotion in France, dating back to 1128. This revered shrine once housed a relic believed to be one of the shoes of the Blessed Virgin Mary, drawing countless faithful over the centuries.

The Miracle of Soissons

In 1128, the city of Soissons was struck by a devastating plague. For six consecutive days, the afflicted gathered at the shrine of Our Lady, fervently praying for her intercession. In a miraculous response, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared, surrounded by heavenly angels. Those who witnessed the vision and believed in her power were immediately healed.

In gratitude, the Bishop of Soissons instructed all who were cured to complete a novena of thanksgiving and venerate the slipper of the Holy Virgin, kept in the abbey’s church.

The Skeptic’s Punishment and Redemption

Among those present for the celebrations following the novena was Boso, a servant of a local knight. While others offered gifts in honor of the relic, Boso mocked the belief in the slipper, scoffing, “It would have rotted long ago.”

His blasphemous words had immediate consequences—his mouth was wrenched toward his ear, his eyes swollen and disfigured, and a painful tumor appeared on his face. Realizing his mistake, he threw himself before the altar of Our Lady, begging for mercy, as only she could heal him.

Mathilda, the abbess of the abbey, took the sacred slipper and made the sign of the cross over him. At once, Boso began to heal. In repentance, he dedicated his life to the service of the Church of Soissons.

A Shrine of Healing and Devotion

Over the years, many pilgrims came to the Abbey of Soissons, and countless miracles were recorded—the lame walked, the blind saw, the deaf heard, and the paralyzed were healed.

Once one of the largest abbeys in France, the site was renowned for its rich collection of relics, including the famous “Lady Slipper.” However, during the French Revolution, much of the abbey was destroyed, leaving behind only a ruined wall with two arches as a silent witness to its once-glorious past.

The Enduring Legacy

Despite the destruction, the story of Our Lady of Soissons continues to inspire the faithful today. Her miraculous intervention remains a testament to the power of prayer and the enduring love of the Blessed Virgin Mary.