The shrines of Our Lady of Graces and Saint Joseph of Cotignac, two of the main pilgrimage centers in France, remain intact after the forest fire that between Tuesday and Wednesday ravaged more than 2,500 hectares in the Var department, in the southeast of the country. The fire destroyed nearly 60 homes, forced the evacuation of about 500 people and mobilized more than 900 firefighters, including personnel from other regions of southern France.
The flames reached the surroundings of Cotignac during the night, one of the best-known medieval villages in Provence, whose population multiplies during the summer. Although the fire came within a few meters of the two shrines, both buildings were ultimately unharmed.
Evacuation of the shrines
Faced with the advance of the fire, the authorities ordered the evacuation of the shrine of Our Lady of Graces and the monastery of Saint Joseph of Bessillon. The religious communities, pilgrims, families present and groups of young people participating in summer camps also left the site.
The rector of the shrine thanked the work of the firefighters and highlighted that the clearing work carried out in recent years around the buildings contributed to strengthening their protection against the fire.
Fire assessment
The fire broke out on Tuesday near Pontevès and spread rapidly, favored by the wind and the dryness of the terrain, crossing several localities before reaching Cotignac.
According to the latest assessment, four people were injured—two firefighters and two civilians—nearly 60 homes were destroyed or damaged and thousands of subscribers suffered power outages, especially in Cotignac.
A shrine linked to the history of France
Cotignac occupies a prominent place in French spiritual history. According to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared there in 1519 to Jean de La Baume and requested the construction of a shrine under the title of Our Lady of Graces.
The place is also closely linked to the French monarchy. After more than two decades of marriage without children, King Louis XIII entrusted his prayers to Our Lady of Graces. Months later, the future Louis XIV was born, turning the shrine into an important pilgrimage destination for families and for those who pray for priestly and religious vocations.
A few kilometers away is the shrine of Saint Joseph of Bessillon, built on the site where tradition places the apparition of Saint Joseph to the young shepherd Gaspard Ricard in 1660.
A reason for thanksgiving
While the work of assessing the damage caused by the fire continues, the preservation of both shrines has been received with relief by numerous faithful.
Without attributing this fact to a miracle—a discernment that belongs to the authority of the Church when appropriate—many pilgrims consider it a reason for thanksgiving in the midst of a tragedy that has left thousands of hectares burned and dozens of homes destroyed.