Upon entering the Basilica, visitors are greeted by the imposing statue of Our Lady of Deliverance of the poor souls. Carved by Italian sculptor Giulio Tadolini, the 9.4 ft high sculpture displays Mary holding the Child Jesus in her arms. At their feet, two female characters symbolizing one and same soul: one side shows the soul still in Purgatory, enchained by the bonds of sin, whilst the other, is received by the Infant Jesus who bestows her with the crown of glory.
Why call Our Lady of Montligeon, Our Lady of Deliverance of the poor souls?
Christ is the only mediator between God and men. He alone frees us from the slavery of sin. Mary is associated in a most unique way in Jesus’ salvific plan. As reminded by Vatican II (constitution Lumen Gentium, n. 62), “By her maternal charity, she cares for the (brothers and sisters) of her Son, who still journey on earth surrounded by dangers and cultics, until they are led into the happiness of their true home. “. Mary’s intercession for men “until they are led into the happiness of their true home” extends over to Purgatory. Thus, we can specifically invoke her for souls undergoing purification.
When did this designation appear?
The most ancient Marian pilgrimage in Normandy dedicated to “Notre-Dame de la Délivrande” (Our Lady of Deliverance), dates back to the Gallo-Roman period. There as well do the faithful pray to the Blessed Virgin for her assistance against all evils, starting from sin. Mary will help us free from all the chains that impede us from confidently flinging into Our Father’s arms. She can help us during our life and after death if need be.
Let us give thanks to the Lord for having bequeathed us with His Mother, whose beneficent presence to souls in Purgatory is beyond words!
Places dedicated to Our Lady of Montligeon, Our Lady of Deliverance of the poor souls
Our Lady of Montligeon, Our Lady of Deliverance of the Holy Souls,
is prayed throughout the world.
Check it out on the map below for various locations and help us update!
Prayer to Our Lady of Montligeon
Our Lady of Deliverance,
Have compassion on all our departed,
Especially those who are most in need of the Lord’s mercy.
Intercede for all those who have gone before us
And may the purifying love of God lead them to full deliverance.
May our prayer, united with the prayer of the whole Church,
Obtain for them joy beyond all their desires,
And bring consolation and relief to our loved ones
in their suffering and distress.
Mother of the Church, help us, pilgrims on earth,
to be better in living each day of our journey towards the Resurrection.
Heal the wounds of heart and soul.
Help us to become witnesses of the Unseen God,
Seeking already what the eye cannot see.
Grant us the grace to become apostles of hope
like those who keep vigil awaiting the dawn.
Refuge of sinners and Queen of all Saints,
Gather us all together one day,
n our Father’s House,
For the eternal Easter,
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
In the unity of the Holy Spirit,
Amen.
Our Lady of Montligeon, pray for the Souls in Purgatory.
Imprimatur Msgr J.-C. Boulanger – 31 May 2007
Help us and diffuse this prayer through your personal network. Prayer-cards are available free of charge; a copy is systematically send with each enrollment certificate to the Montligeon Fraternity.