As Mother of God and Mother of the Church, the Blessed Virgin Mary has appeared many times throughout the centuries to remind us of the teachings of her Son Jesus and to lead us to Him. As a mother, she is concerned for the eternal salvation of each of her children on earth, entrusted to her by Jesus at the foot of the Cross, when He said to the Apostle Saint John: "Son, behold your mother."
Sixteen of these Marian apparitions have been officially recognized by the Roman Catholic Church, including five in France during the 19th century, which therefore appears to be a land especially favoured by the Virgin Mary:
l In 1830, at the convent on Rue du Bac in Paris, where the Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Catherine Labouré;
l In 1846, at La Salette, to Mélanie Calvat and Maximin Giraud;
l In 1858, at Lourdes, to Saint Bernadette Soubirous;
l In 1871, at Pontmain, to three children;
l In 1876, at Pellevoisin, to Estelle Faguette.
Remarkably, if one connects these five locations on a map of France, they form the letter "M" — the "M" for Mary. And right at the centre of this map lies the final apparition site, Pellevoisin, where the Virgin Mary appeared fifteen times in 1876 under the title "Our Lady of Mercy" to a 33-year-old woman, Estelle Faguette, who was miraculously healed and to whom the Blessed Virgin entrusted numerous messages concerning the conversion of sinners and especially devotion to the Scapular of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In 2026, we therefore celebrate the 150th anniversary of this apparition.
This apparition is probably the least known of the five recognized Marian apparitions in France, but that may soon change. On August 22, 2024, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith at the Vatican, addressed a letter to Archbishop Jérôme Beau of Bourges (the diocese in which Pellevoisin is located) entitled:
"Our Lady of Mercy, Lead Us to the Heart of Christ: Letter to the Archbishop of Bourges (France) Regarding the Spiritual Experience of Estelle Faguette."
The Cardinal concluded his letter with this favourable judgment: "Your Excellency, not only can I affirm that there are no doctrinal, moral, or other objections to this spiritual event and that the faithful'may prudently give their assent,'but, on the contrary, the devotion in this case, already flourishing, is particularly recommended for those who freely wish to embrace it. Everyone may find in it a path of spiritual simplicity, trust, and love capable of doing much good. It is therefore possible to issue the decree of nihil obstat ('nothing stands in the way'). This will certainly be a benefit for the whole Church."
The story of Pellevoisin begins with a simple woman: Estelle Faguette. Born on September 12, 1843, into a modest family, she worked as a servant at the Château de Montbel, near Pellevoisin, in the Diocese of Bourges.
Estelle Faguette was born in Saint-Memmie (Marne) into an extremely poor family. Deeply concerned for the poor and the sick, she entered the novitiate of the Augustinian Hospitaller Sisters of the Hôtel-Dieu in Paris in 1860. In 1863, however, a serious fall on a staircase forced her to abandon religious life.
In 1865, she entered the service of the Count and Countess de La Rochefoucauld and followed them to the Château de Montbel, three kilometres from Pellevoisin, where she worked as a servant and governess for children. She brought her parents, who had become impoverished and destitute, to live near her and supported them with her meagre financial resources.
In 1875, Estelle's health deteriorated seriously. She suffered from chronic peritonitis that had become tubercular and had spread to her stomach and lungs. On August 29, Professor Bucquoy of the Faculty of Medicine in Paris declared her condition hopeless.
Aware that there was no longer any human hope for recovery, Estelle wrote a letter to the Virgin Mary in September and had it placed in a Lourdes grotto that the Count and Countess had built in the castle grounds. She asked for healing so that she might continue caring for her parents.
As her condition became increasingly alarming, Estelle was brought back to her parents'home near the church in Pellevoisin. On February 14, 1876, her doctor declared that she had only a few hours left to live.
It was then, during the night of February 14–15, 1876, that the Virgin Mary appeared to her for the first time in her room. Fifteen apparitions would take place that year, from February 14 until December 8. The first five concerned Estelle's healing. Estelle later described this first apparition:
"I was trying to rest when suddenly the devil appeared at the foot of my bed… Hardly had he arrived when the Blessed Virgin appeared on the other side, near the corner of my bed… She said sharply to him:'What are you doing here? Can you not see that she wears my livery and that of my Son?'He disappeared, gesturing angrily."
Then Mary turned toward Estelle and gently said: "Do not be afraid. You know well that you are my daughter. Take courage and be patient; my Son will allow Himself to be moved. You will still suffer for five days in honour of the five wounds of my Son. On Saturday, you will either be dead or healed. If my Son restores your life, I want you to proclaim my glory."
Estelle then saw a white marble plaque between herself and Our Lady. Mary explained that it would be placed at Pellevoisin: "At Notre-Dame-des-Victoires they already have many signs of my power; at Pellevoisin there is nothing. They need encouragement."
During the following nights, the Virgin continued to appear to Estelle and repeatedly reassured her: "Do not be afraid; I am here." She also told her:
"If my Son grants you life, do not think that you will be spared suffering. You will suffer and you will not be free from sorrows. That is what gives merit to life."
She added that her heart had been touched by Estelle's prayers, especially the letter she had written in September:
"What touched me most was when you wrote:'See the sorrow of my parents if I were taken from them; they are on the verge of begging for bread.'I showed that letter to my Son. Your parents need you."
We now come to the night of February 18–19, for the fifth apparition of Mary. Estelle recounts:
"The Blessed Virgin approached to the middle of my bed curtains. My God, how beautiful she was! She remained for a long time without saying anything and stood amid a clear mist… She was smiling and reminded me of my promises."
Estelle saw again the ex-voto plaque that she had previously seen, but this time it was no longer entirely white. In the four corners were golden rosebuds, and at the top appeared a flaming golden heart surrounded by a crown of roses and pierced by a sword. Written upon it were these words: "I called upon Mary in the depths of my misery. She obtained from her Son my complete healing."
Estelle renewed her promise to do everything within her power for Mary's glory. The Blessed Virgin then said: "If you wish to serve me, be simple, and let your actions correspond to your words."
After a brief pause, Mary became serious and added: "What grieves me most is the lack of reverence shown toward my Son in Holy Communion, and the attitude people adopt in prayer when their minds are occupied with other things. I say this especially for those who claim to be devout."
After these words, her smile returned. Estelle asked whether she should immediately speak of everything that Mary had told her. The Virgin answered:
"Yes, yes, proclaim my glory; but before speaking of it, you must wait for the advice of your confessor and spiritual director. You will encounter obstacles; people will call you a visionary, an enthusiast, or a madwoman. Pay no attention to such things. Remain faithful to me and I will help you."
At that moment, Estelle felt all of her terrible suffering disappear. A powerful strength filled her. She later wrote:
"I asked what time it was; it was half past midnight. I felt healed, except for my right arm, which I was unable to use until after receiving Holy Communion."
The following day, the priest came to bring her Holy Communion and, with tears in his eyes, realized that Estelle had been completely healed.
On February 19, 1876 — exactly as the Blessed Virgin had foretold — Estelle was cured. When the doctor came to examine her, he too observed her complete recovery and was unable to offer any explanation.
During the apparitions, Mary introduced herself with a magnificent title: "I am all-merciful."
This phrase summarizes almost the entire message of Pellevoisin. Mary did not come to announce catastrophes or inspire fear. Rather, she came to remind the world of the tenderness of God's Heart for sinners, the sick, the weak, and wounded souls.
At Pellevoisin, the Virgin never places herself at the centre. She constantly leads souls to Jesus. Cardinal Fernández rightly emphasized this point in his recent letter: "Everything is attributed to Christ." Even Estelle's healing is presented as a grace obtained through Mary's intercession with her Son.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Pellevoisin concerns Mary's request regarding the Scapular of the Sacred Heart, during the ninth apparition on September 9. Estelle recounts:
"The Blessed Virgin said:'For a long time the treasures of my Son have been open; let them pray.'" As she spoke these words, she lifted the small woollen piece that she wore upon her breast. Until then, Estelle had seen it without understanding what it was, because it had appeared completely white. But as Mary lifted it, Estelle saw a vivid red heart standing out clearly.
She immediately thought: "It is a Scapular of the Sacred Heart." Mary then said: "I love this devotion." After a pause, she added: "This is where I shall be honoured."
During the eleventh apparition, on September 15, Mary said to Estelle:"I will take into account the efforts you have made to remain calm; I ask this not only for your own sake, but also for the Church and for France. In the Church, there is not the peace that I desire." She sighed and gently shook her head, saying: "There is something."
She did not explain further, but Estelle immediately understood that she was speaking of divisions and discord. Mary then continued slowly: "Let them pray and place their trust in me."
Then, speaking sadly, she added: "And France! What have I not done for her? How many warnings have I given, and still she refuses to listen! I can no longer restrain my Son."
She appeared deeply moved as she added: "France will suffer." She emphasized these words. Then, after another pause, she repeated: "Courage and confidence."
At that moment Estelle thought to herself: If I repeat these words, perhaps no one will believe me. The Blessed Virgin immediately understood her thought and replied: "I have already paid in advance; too bad for those who refuse to believe you — later they will recognize the truth of my words." Then she departed quietly.
Later, during the thirteenth apparition on November 5, Estelle again saw the Blessed Virgin: "She was beautiful as always." As Estelle looked upon her, she reflected on how unworthy she felt of such extraordinary graces and how many others seemed more deserving.
Mary looked at her and smiled: "I have chosen you. I choose the little and the weak for my glory." After a pause, she added: "Take courage; the time of your trials is about to begin." Then she crossed her hands upon her breast and disappeared.
Mary appeared one final time to Estelle on December 8, 1876, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Estelle recounted: "Today after High Mass, I saw again that gentle Mother. She was more beautiful than ever."
After remaining silent for a moment, as she had done previously, Mary said: "My daughter, remember my words." At that instant Estelle saw all of Mary's messages pass before her mind, from February onward.
Mary then said: "Repeat them often; they will strengthen and console you in your trials. You will see me no more."
Estelle cried out: "What will become of me without you, my good Mother?" The Blessed Virgin answered: "I shall remain invisibly beside you."
Estelle then saw, in the distance, a large crowd of people making threatening gestures. Frightened, she looked toward Mary. Smiling, the Virgin reassured her:
"You have nothing to fear from them. I have chosen you to proclaim my glory and spread this devotion."
The Blessed Virgin was holding the Scapular with both hands. Encouraged by her kindness, Estelle said: "My good Mother, would you give me that Scapular?"
Mary did not seem to hear the request directly. Instead, smiling, she said: "Rise and kiss it." Estelle immediately stood up and kissed it.
Then Mary spoke again concerning the Scapular: "You yourself will go to the Bishop and present him with the model you have made. Tell him to help you with all his power, for nothing would please me more than to see this livery worn by each of my children, and for them to strive to make reparation for the outrages my Son receives in the Sacrament of His love."
As she spoke these words, Mary extended her hands. Estelle saw what seemed to be an abundant shower falling from them, and in every drop she believed she could read the names of graces: "Piety, salvation, confidence, conversion, health…" And many others besides.
Then the Blessed Virgin added: "These graces come from my Son; I take them from His Heart. He cannot refuse me."
In 1900, the Bishop of Orléans, Stanislas-Arthur-Xavier Touchet, brought Estelle to the Vatican, where she met Pope Leo XIII on January 30. Estelle asked that the Scapular receive official approval, which the Pope granted on April 4, 1900, when the Congregation of Rites published a decree approving the Scapular of the Sacred Heart.
On December 22, 1922, the Congregation of Rites authorized a votive Mass every September 9 at the village church and at the chapel of the apparitions in the sanctuary.
In 1925, Estelle entered the Dominican Third Order after receiving the habit in 1923, taking the name Sister Margaret Mary.
On August 23, 1929, Estelle Faguette died at the age of eighty-six, remaining steadfast to the end in her belief in the apparitions.
Her life was marked by many severe trials, accepted with resignation and strengthened by the extraordinary graces she had received. Her death was gentle and peaceful.
Throughout her long life, Estelle endured many humiliations, calumnies, and false accusations. Yet despite all of this, she never wavered, tirelessly repeating the words that the All-Merciful Mother had spoken to her: "Proclaim my glory. I have come for the conversion of sinners. Courage and confidence."
Pellevoisin and Our Times
Why does Pellevoisin seem so relevant today? Because the modern world suffers precisely from the wounds for which the Blessed Virgin offered a remedy at Pellevoisin: anxiety, despair, loss of trust, forgetfulness of divine mercy, and a growing coldness toward the Sacred Heart.
Through Estelle Faguette, Mary speaks to humble souls. She reminds us that God often works through little instruments. She shows us that trust deeply touches the Heart of Jesus.
The Sanctuary of Pellevoisin has therefore become a place of prayer, confession, Eucharistic adoration, and interior healing. Many pilgrims testify to receiving a profound peace through the intercession of Our Lady of Mercy.
The great teaching of Pellevoisin can be summarized in a few words: Mary leads us to the Heart of Christ.
Indeed, the very title of Cardinal Fernández's letter expresses this beautifully: "Our Lady of Mercy, lead us to the Heart of Christ." Everything is contained in these words.
In an age often marked by spiritual coldness and discouragement, Pellevoisin reminds us that the Heart of Jesus remains open and that Mary continues to intercede for her children.
Pellevoisin is not merely a memory from the past. It is a present invitation to live more deeply in trust, simplicity, and love. We can make our own this prayer inspired by the message of Pellevoisin:
"Our Lady of Mercy, lead us ever more deeply into the most loving Heart of Jesus."