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Corsica, France (Ajaccio): Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy

 

About Ajaccio:

The city of Ajaccio is perhaps best associated with Napolean, who was born and baptized here in the city of Ajaccio. But there is another reason to visit Ajaccio: a shrine to the Blessed Mother in the Cathedral here.

 

About the Shrine:

 Cathedral in Ajjacio, Corsica
Photo: Myrabella / Wikimedia Commons, via Wikimedia Commons

The story is told that in 1586 the Blessed Mother appeared to a local peasant on two occasions (March 18 & April 18) with a very simple message: “Mercy”. At this time in history the island was under the control of the city-state of Genoa, and devotion to Our Lady of Mercy spread throughout the country.

Then in the 17th Century a local sea captain who had a great devotion to Our Lady of Mercy placed a statue outside his house. When a local riot broke out nearby that was threatening to erupt in violence it was reported that the statue spoke and ordered the people to stop their fighting. Naturally devotion to Our Lady grew even greater after this.

Today you can visit the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mercy which has several chapels of interest. Of greatest importance is the chapel of Our Lady of Mercy; then the chapel dedicated to Napolean (he was baptized here).

Getting there:

Ajaccio is accessible by ferry from both southern France and Western Italy. There is also an airport in Ajaccio, with flights operated by Air Corsica that originate from several cities in France, as well as Milan and Rome in Italy.

Address: Rue Forcioli Conti, 20000 Ajaccio

GPS coordinates: 41° 55′ 1.9992” N, 8° 44′ 16.0008” E

We are not aware of any website for the Cathedral of the Assumption. Click here for the city of Ajaccio official website.

Photo: Myrabella / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-3.0

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