Praise. A beacon of mercy for people today

In the heart of the French Alps, in a once-impoverished valley, lies Laus, a place made sacred by an extraordinary event: the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Benoîte Rencurel. Lasting 54 years, they represent the longest series of Marian apparitions recognized by the Church. Laus is not merely a historical event, but a living message of hope, conversion, and reconciliation. Let us discover it!

A 54-year divine pedagogy for learning to live out the faith every day

The 54 years of conversations between the Mother of God and Benoîte are not merely a record of duration. Above all, they are a true school of faith, a “divine pedagogy.” The Virgin Mary educated Benoîte day after day, teaching her to live out her faith concretely: through patience in trials, detachment from earthly possessions, and perseverance in prayer. She did not bring complex prophecies, but shaped the shepherdess for her apostolic mission. This is an important lesson for us today, reminding us how fundamental the journey of faith is in everyday life.

In Benoîte, God chooses humility

Benoîte was an uneducated, humble shepherdess who grew up in extreme poverty. Orphaned by her father at just 7 years old, she was forced to work from an early age. Yet she had a vibrant faith, a generous heart, and remarkable inner strength. The most notable gift she received from heaven was the ability to read hearts and consciences. This gift was not for judging, but for guiding the pilgrims who began traveling to Laus toward conversion, reminding them of forgotten sins and leading them to the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Between ecstasy and spiritual struggle

Benoîte’s life was marked by profound mystical experiences as well as constant spiritual struggle. Alongside the apparitions of the Virgin and the Child Jesus, she had intense visions of Christ crucified, which led her to desire to share in his sufferings for the conversion of sinners, expressed through a mystical weekly “crucifixion.” She faced violent attacks from the devil, as well as physical and spiritual torments. But she was not alone in this struggle: she was constantly assisted by the angels, who comforted and guided her and even defended her from diabolical assaults. Her mystical experience culminated in a vision of Paradise, an experience of indescribable joy that showed her the glory of the blessed and the victory over evil.

The Church’s recognition

From the earliest days, the events at Laus were the subject of ecclesiastical investigations. Despite the opposition and trials Benoîte endured, her sincerity, perseverance, and the miracles that took place convinced the authorities. Official recognition of the supernatural origin of the events at Laus was solemnly granted on May 4, 2008, followed by recognition of Benoîte’s heroic virtues, with her being proclaimed Venerable on April 3, 2009.

The relevance of a message of mercy and hope today

The heart of the message is clear and powerful: Laus is a place desired by the Virgin Mary for the conversion of sinners. Mary herself said: «I asked my Son for this place, and he granted it to me.» Laus is a “refuge” where anyone can find mercy and begin again. In a world marked by despair, this message of mercy and reconciliation is of “extraordinary relevance.” Laus invites us to seek inner peace through reconciliation with God, others, and ourselves. Benoîte’s life demonstrates that everyone’s life is important in God’s eyes and that hope is always possible.
Laus and the testimony of Benoîte Rencurel offer a journey of faith rooted in everyday life, concrete hope in divine mercy, and the certainty that, despite our struggles, victory is in Christ. Laus continues to be a beacon, an invitation to rediscover the beauty of conversion and mercy.

Do not put off the opportunity to rediscover inner peace. Discover the transformative power of Forgiveness through the beautiful message that the Virgin Mary left us at Laus; Our Lady of Laus. Hope in the Heart of the Alps. can help you. Your journey of hope and reconciliation begins now!