A shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary had been built in Puy-en-Velay since the very early Middle Ages. It quickly became renowned nationally and in Europe.
Since the 10th century, at the start of the route of Saint James of Compostella, the stop at the venerable and mysterious statue of the Black Virgin has therefore become a special moment of gratitude to Christ the Saviour whom Mary had welcomed as Son of God.

Here one prays to Mary by saying "Show us Jesus your blessed child!" in accordance with the expression of the "antienne du Puy", (Puy antiphony), the prayer of the Salve Regina (Hail Holy Queen).

Here the great of this world alongside the crowd of the most humble believers come together to put themselves under the protection of the Queen of the Heavens.

The Assumption of Mary, on 15th August, is celebrated in style: the statue of the Black Virgin is taken in procession through the streets of the town.

In the cathedral, dedicated to the mystery of the Annunciation, the veneration of the Handmaid of the Lord has, for centuries, given rise to a particular fervour each time that 25th March, the feast of the Annunciation, coincides with Good Friday: then it is a Jubilee. The thirtieth occurrence of this thousand year old event will be in 2005, the next in 2016.

The Cathedral


Throughout the year, groups may request a spiritual discovery, a time of celebration
In summer, young people provide a welcome, information, and discovery of the message of the shrine
The Cathedral also provides a place of rest, information, picnic:
the "Centre Isabelle Romée" (Isabelle Romée Centre).

For pilgrims on the Route of Saint James: every day at 7h00, a Mass is specially offered for them. It is often celebrated by the Bishop of Puy and is followed by a special benediction at 7h30. The Bishop then gives each one a medal of Notre Dame du Puy.
This Mass allows the pilgrims together to entrust their pilgrimage to Mary and to have a first contact with one another.

The Cathedral also offers information and documents on the pilgrimage and the pilgrim's record book or "Créanciale" of the Catholic church may be obtained there.