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​The apparitions of Our Lady of Laus between 1664 and 1718 in Saint-Étienne-le-Laus, France to Benoîte Rencurel, a young shepherdess are the first Marian apparitions approved in the 21st century by the Roman Catholic Church.[13] The apparitions were recognized by the diocese of the Roman Catholic Church on September 18, 1665. They were approved by the Vatican on May 5, 2008. Currently, the site where the apparitions took place receives more than 120,000 pilgrims a year.



History

In 1664, Benoite saw an apparition of St. Maurice, a 3rd century martyr who was greatly honored at Laus. St. Maurice told the shepherdess that she would see the Virgin Mary in the Valley of Kilns.[2]
Benoite took her sheep to the Valley of Kilns. She came to a grotto, when Mary, holding the child Jesus in her arms, appeared to her. Mary asked Benoite to build a chapel for Jesus and a house for priests.[2]
On May 5, 2008, Bishop Jean-Michel de Falco of Gap (the Archbishop of Laus) announced the Holy See's recognition of the apparitions as Our Lady of Laus, Refuge of Sinners.



Message

Our Lady of Laus asked for sinners to do penance, a chapel of Eucharistic adoration to be built so Jesus could convert sinners, and a house for priests to live in to be built so the priests could administer the sacraments to sinners.



Prayer

The official prayer to Our Lady of Laus goes:[2]
Queen of Laus, kind and loving Mother, hear our pious pleas. Your son always hears your prayers, and you always hear your children. O pure Virgin, ceaselessly watch over our hearts from heaven. Let no dirt tarnish the heavenly whiteness.Be our support in virtue, all-powerful Virgin, and guide our feeble steps. If we fall, Compassionate Mother, kindly embrace us in your arms.Give us shelter under your wings when the storms burst with fury, spare us from cruel agony, and may the sinner repent with true remorse.Leave us not at our last hour, but let us sleep in peace at your maternal breast. And once awakening, drawing back the veil, we will see you in the splendor of heaven. Our Lady of Laus, Refuge of sinners, pray for us who have recourse to thee.

Our Lady of Laus