Our Lady of Rouen

https://www.roman-catholic-saints.com/our-lady-of-rouen.html

August 12: Our Lady of Rouen, France


The Cathedral of Rouen is a Gothic cathedral in France.
The first church at location, which was later destroyed during an invasion, was believed to have been built in year 396.
This original church was visited by Charlemagne in year 769, & Rollo, who founded Viking principality in what would become Normandy, visited site in year 915.

King Richard I of England gave great gifts to church & enlarged it in year 950.
The heart of this king, better known as Richard the Lionheart, is still entombed in present church.

It is notable that as early as 11th century a notable fraternity of prominent men was established at Rouen to honor Immaculate Conception of Blessed Virgin Mary.

The current Cathedral of Rouen that can be seen wasn't begun until late in 12th century.
At time of Black Plague, Rouen was delivered by intercession of Blessed Virgin, & placed itself under her protection by a special vow.
It is estimated that between 30 and 60% of Europe’s population died from plague between years 1347 & 1350.

For their deliverance from plague people built a beautiful edifice known as Our Lady of the Vow in chapel of cathedral to commemorate event.
Throughout Rouen, squares, fountains, & public monuments all bore Mary’s image as a token of gratitude.

The magistrates suspended a massive golden lamp over white marble Madonna on altar which burned without interruption until it was extinguished by Protestants in 16th century.

The kings of France have granted Cathedral of Rouen great privileges throughout centuries.

In 16th century cathedral suffered heavy destruction at hands of pious Calvanists, who destroyed statues, tombs, furnishings, & even the priceless stained glass windows.
Later, in 20th century, church was intentionally bombed in April of 1944, which did extensive damage but didn't level church, & was bombed again in June of same year, which resulted in loss of North Tower.

In our own day, cathedral of Our Lady of Rouen is perhaps most famous for 28 paintings that impressionist Claude Monet painted of it.