Pontmain facts for kids
Pontmain is a small town, also known as a commune, located in the northwest of France. It is part of the Pays de la Loire region and the Mayenne department. In 1999, about 893 people lived there. Pontmain is especially known for a famous event that happened there in the 19th century.
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A Special Story from Pontmain
Pontmain is famous because of a special event that took place there in 1871. During the Franco-Prussian War, on January 17, 1871, several children in Pontmain reported seeing an apparition. An apparition is like a vision or a spiritual appearance.
The Vision of the Virgin Mary
The children, including a young boy named Eugène Barbedette and his sister Françoise, said they saw the Virgin Mary in the sky above their village. They described her as wearing a blue dress with golden stars. As the vision continued, a message appeared in the sky, encouraging people to pray.
Impact on the Village
This event brought hope to the people of Pontmain during a difficult time of war. Many people believed it was a miracle. The Prussian army, which was close to the village, stopped its advance shortly after the apparition. This was seen by many as a direct answer to the prayers and the message seen by the children.
Pontmain as a Pilgrimage Site
Because of this event, Pontmain became an important pilgrimage site. A large church, called the Basilica of Our Lady of Pontmain, was built there. Today, many people visit Pontmain to pray and remember the apparition. It is considered one of the important shrines to the Virgin Mary in France.
Images for kids
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Eugène Barbedette, one of the children who witnessed the apparition in 1871.
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The cemetery in Pontmain, showing the tomb of the Barbedette family and Abbot Cuérin (center).
See also
In Spanish: Pontmain para niños
