History
The chapel, dedicated to Our Lady of Mercy, was built in the Renaissance style in the first half of the 16th century. The oldest stained-glass window in the chapel, with the theme “the Visitation,” dates from 1556 and can be seen on the left in the chancel. It was restored in 1634. Other stained-glass windows were made around 1880.
The chapel originated from a legend:
A carriage with a statue of Our Lady of Mercy, made in Chartres, is on its way to the Chartreuse du Val-Dieu, near Mortagne. The means of transport stops in Longny, at the foot of the hill, where the chapel now stands. The animals do not wish to go any further. Horses are fetched to get the large cart moving. This is in vain, as the carriage cannot be moved forward. This is seen as a sign to leave the statue of Mary here. Subsequently, a chapel is built, and this is seen as a sign from heaven.
The Brotherhood of Love, which was founded after the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453), has taken care of the chapel.
Since 1909, the chapel has been listed as a monument.
Pilgrimage site
Longny-au-Perche is located in the department of Orne, which belongs to Normandy and is part of the commune of Longny-les-Villages. A beautiful chapel is dedicated to “Notre-Dame de Pitié de Longny”. The Chapel of Our Lady of Mercy is built in the Renaissance style. The chapel stands on a hill. To access the chapel, you have to climb 33 steps. The staircase dates from the 19th century. The staircase leads to the main entrance, but this is closed, and the side door provides the solution to get inside.
On the edge of the village, in the churchyard, stands the 13th-century chapel of “Notre-Dame de Pitié". Above the entrance archway, the year 1549 is inscribed on a tympanum.
On the main altar stands the polychrome statue of Our Lady. In 1793, during the French Revolution (1789-1799), the effigy was broken. The statue was later reconstructed.
The chapel is open daily and access is at the side of the building.
ACCESSIBILITY
Address: Rue du Dr. Boulay, 61290 Longny-au-Perche, which belongs to the municipality of Longny les Villages.
Experience
The chapel is located on a hill, on the edge of the village of Longny-au-Perche. When I reach the chapel's street, climbing a stone staircase still awaits me. Before I start on the steps, I look up and see the old chapel, which has witnessed a lot of history. What a beautiful sight this is! It seems as though the visitor is about to embark on a journey to heaven.
It's a search for the door that gives access to the chapel. The main door is shut. The side door also appears to be shut, but I'm not putting enough force into turning the doorknob. Then the door opens and access is free.
I find the chapel's interior magnificent. What a beautiful chapel! The depiction of Mary with her deceased Son is centrally located in the chancel. I look at Mary's face and see her sorrowful countenance.
After that, it's time for a tour of the chapel. Many ex-votos show thanks to Mary.
Environment
In the centre of Longny-au-Perche stands the church dedicated to Saint Martin. This place of worship has much to see, including a remarkable ceiling, paintings, and effigies of Our Lady.
15 km from Longny-au-Perche lies the Shrine of “Sanctuaire Notre-Dame de Montligeon”, 26 Rue Principale, 61400 La Chapelle Montligeon.
Posted: 20 August 2023
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