Did you know Our Lady’s veil still exists today?
The Chartres Cathedral in France houses Our Lady’s sacred veil relic. This relic is also called the Sancta Camisa.
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Here’s a video of the Sancta Camisa, or Our Lady’s veil, inside Chartres Cathedral:
Here are some basic facts about Our Lady’s veil (the Sancta Camisa) relic housed in France:
Known as the Sancta Camisa, this piece of silk has drawn pilgrims for over a thousand years. Here’s the story and why it’s a must-see today.
What Is the Sancta Camisa?
The Sancta Camisa is believed to be the veil the Virgin Mary wore during the Annunciation—when the angel Gabriel announced Jesus’ birth to our Lady– and during the Nativity.
Kept in Chartres Cathedral, 50 miles southwest of Paris, this oblong silk relic, often called a veil or tunic, has been a symbol of faith since the 9th century. While its origins are debated, its spiritual pull is undeniable, making Chartres a top pilgrimage site.
A Royal Gift: The History Behind the Sancta Camisa
In the year 876, King Charles the Bald gave the Sancta Camisa to the Chartres Cathedral. Legend claims Charlemagne obtained it during a crusade, but historians say that’s a myth.
In 911, the Normans laid siege to the city. Bishop Guillaume displayed the veil on the city walls. This act inspired victory and cemented its fame.
By the Middle Ages, pilgrims flocked to Chartres, leaving offerings like jewels and even shell belts from North American tribes, showing the relic’s global reach.
Miracles and Devotion Behind the Virgin Mary’s Veil
The Sancta Camisa has been linked to countless miracles over the centuries.
Some miracles include saving a city from a Viking siege, reported miraculous healings, and people allegedly being saved from car accidents and other natural disasters.
In the Middle Ages, pilgrims flocked to Chartres seeking healing and blessings, leaving behind offerings like jewels, precious stones, and even medieval armor from royal children.
The veil also inspired the cathedral’s growth. Generous donations from pilgrims funded its construction, and the relic’s presence made Chartres a spiritual hub. Even today, visitors report feeling a deep sense of peace when they stand near the Sancta Camisa, as if Mary’s presence lingers in the cathedral’s ancient stones.
Chartres Cathedral: A Beautiful Gothic Marvel of the Catholic Church
Chartres Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and the seat of the Bishop of Chartres
Rebuilt in the 13th century, its 176 stained glass windows—famous for their “Chartres blue”—tell biblical stories, including the Sancta Camisa’s history. The relic rests in a golden reliquary in the chapel of Notre-Dame Sous-Terre, where visitors feel a deep sense of peace.
How to Visit the Virgin Mary’s Veil Today
Chartres Cathedral is a one-hour train ride from Paris and open daily. See the Sancta Camisa, admire the stained glass, and walk the cathedral’s ancient labyrinth. On March 25, the Feast of the Annunciation, the cathedral holds special services honoring Mary.
The Virgin Mary’s veil isn’t just a relic—it’s a bridge to history, faith, and beauty.
Our Lady, please pray for us!
Featured photo credit for Veil: Andrew Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0, Flickr
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