Prophetic Vision

There could be no truer portrayal of Louis Marie de Montfort who, in 1707, went to La Cheze, preached to the people there, and felt inspired by God to rebuild the ruined chapel of Our Lady of Pity. Although he had neither resources for the project nor any hope of assistance, he set to work to raise money for the restoration of the shrine and his efforts met with extraordinary success. The rapid completion of the sanctuary astonished the people of the district, who flocked by the hundreds in procession for the opening ceremony.

A number of other incidents occurred that convinced them that de Montfort had miraculous powers—that he had multiplied bread to feed the poor and had restored invalids to health. Their enthusiasm was so great and their demands on the missioner so incessant that, when he left the city, de Montfort felt the need for a quiet retreat where he could renew his strength.