Proof--no one can destroy this Mother's Love

Our Lady of the Tablets

Feast 8/31

Sanctuary Significance

Nestled in France, Our Lady of Tables or tablets is a Baroque sanctuary on the south Arles trail to the Camino del Santiago. She draws her name from the many medieval ex voto tablets — devotional offerings expressing gratitude for divine favors. These small medieval plaques adorn the sacred space, bearing witness to countless answered prayers. From early on, this sanctuary was a beacon for pedestrian pilgrims on their tiring trek to Santiago.

• Pope Urban V visited the medieval church of Notre-Dame des Tables in Montpellier, France, to pray and grant indulgences in 1367. He studied and lectured in Montpellier, before his papacy.

• Pope Pius XII formally elevated a relocated church building (a former Jesuit chapel) to the rank of a minor basilica in October 1939, after the original church burned.

Trials and Triumphs. The sanctuary faced more tumultuous challenges, thereafter.

• During the protestant Huguenot conflicts, the beloved black statue vanished and

• the church itself was destroyed amid the French Revolution.

The Jesuits in Montpellier nurtured and preserved the cultus—or living devotion—of Notre Dame des Tables, ensuring her sacred devotion did not fade into obscurity despite demonic interventions.

Devotional Depth

Our Lady of Tables exemplifies how gratitude via tangible tokens—nourishes faith, especially in adversity. These votive offerings represent testimonies of graces received through the intercession of the mother of God. The Church’s tradition of venerating sacred images and places—are not idolatry—but serve as windows into God’s mercy, per the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 971–975.

Timeless Testament

In celebrating Our Lady of Tables, whether August 31 (UK) or January 20 (France); Catholics are invited to reflect on Mother Mary’s constant presence. Her love remains a source of comfort and courage, that can never burn down, vanish or be destroyed. Her heart is a spiritual sanctuary for us, that endures for eternity!

Our Lady of the Tables

A Jesuit chapel’s hallowed space, where children seek a mothers’ grace.
A Virgin pure, our tender guide; through fire and fury, you still abide!
Your statue gone yet love remains, His gifted grace to soothe our pains.
With faith like yours, we rise above; hide us in your endless love.

Our Lady of Tablets, hear our call, in every age, you shelter all.
Mother of mercy, hear our plea, console the lost, set haters free.
As we, to altar gently turn; His miraculous heart will always burn.
Through storms of anger and evil war, His Kingdom reigns forevermore!

Sources

Catechism of the Catholic Church. (1997). Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

Montpellier: Notre Dame des Tables | CompostelaCo.uk

Votive Offerings | newadvent.org