History
In 1522, the Franciscans were granted permission to establish a chapel in honour of Our Lady and Saint Francis. Their project was realised in a very damp area, and working in high humidity affected the Franciscans' health. As a result, the friars left several years later.
After a century, lay people seem to maintain the chapel.
A charter dated 4 July 1699 mentions several miracles. Benedictines then came to this Marian shrine.
Over the years, Longeborgne became a place of pilgrimage for “Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows”; the patron saint of hermits.
In 1924, Benedictine nuns from the Abbey of Port-Valais became active in the pilgrimage site, assisting pilgrims at the request of Viktor Bieler (1881-1952), Bishop of Sion (Sitten) (1919-1952).
Pilgrimage site
The pilgrimage site is dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows. The Marian shrine is managed by Benedictine nuns from the Abbey of Saint Benedict of Port-Valais. In the chapels, Our Lady of Mercy is invoked by pilgrims.
The Marian shrine is situated against a rock face and by the gorge of the river La Borgne, which has a 30 km long course.
The numerous ex-votos on the walls of the two chapels and against the monastery wall bear witness to great popular devotion. A special painting with Mary and her deceased Son enriches the church interior behind a heavy grille. A depiction of Mary makes the church interior even more intimate. Here, burning candles with intentions are in the right place.
Annually, more than 50,000 visitors come to the pilgrimage site.
The annual feast day of the pilgrimage site is 15 September, the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows.
The pilgrimage site is in urgent need of repair work, and to this end, an organisation of friends has been established, namely “Association des Amis de Longeborgne à Bramois”, Chemin du Chapître 8, 1967 Bramois. After more than 500 years, restoration work is urgently needed.
ACCESSIBILITY
The pilgrimage site is located in the canton of Valais. From the town of Bramois, it is a 15-minute walk to the pilgrimage site.
At the village of Bramois, follow the Route de Nax until you reach the small car park (Parking des Pèlerins). Turn right onto a path by a restaurant; Restaurant des Pèlerins. Follow this narrow path (Chemin de Longeborgne) for about 650 metres, passing the Stations of the Cross. Then continue on a somewhat less accessible path to reach the pilgrimage site. The Marian shrine is only accessible on foot from the road.
Current information can be found at www.longeborgne.ch.
Experience
Upon arriving in Bramois, I'll park the car and walk to the pilgrimage site. A 15-minute walk, I've been told. When I reach a path with a restaurant on the left (Restaurant des Pèlerins), the way becomes a bit narrower. Then it's a walk between vineyards with the Stations of the Cross also on the left, and this doesn't happen to me too often. How beautiful the South-West of Switzerland is, flashes through my mind.
After a few hundred metres, the path becomes even narrower and less easy to traverse. I can see the abyss and am glad to be able to stay safely on the path next to a trellis, between trees, bushes, and plants. What natural beauty! It is indeed a great compliment to now state that people managed to build structures here in the early 16th century.
To reach the pilgrimage site, you have to go through another gate. Above it, it says that it is a Holy Door and also the Year of Mercy.
In the pilgrimage site, I see a plaque from 1933 commemorating Benedictine monks who maintained the Church of Our Lady of Longeborgne for more than two centuries. Also, ex-votos are displayed next to the entrance of the church and more are present within the consecrated building.
Inside the church, it is somewhat dark, which is certainly also due to the many ex-votos and paintings that completely fill the walls. The space accommodates two chapels and statues stand behind an iron railing. The many pews invite me to sit down, and then we pray the Hail Mary. Afterwards, I thank Mary for allowing me to come here.
After some time, I leave the church and return to the path. Richer for a valuable experience, I head to the next pilgrimage site of Mary. It seems my pilgrimages will never end.
Environment
From Bramois to the pilgrimage site of Longeborgne is 2 km northwards.
Sion is located near the pilgrimage site of Longeborgne, just 10 km to the east.
Departing from Lausanne to arrive in Longeborgne requires travelling 101 km to the southeast.
Travelling from Grindelwald to Longeborgne covers 198 km to the south.
Pilgrimage site in Siviriez abandoned to arrive at Longeborgne, requires travelling 115 km to the southeast.
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