Notre-Dame-de-Tout-Pouvoir
The Plout sanctuary, in Saint-Marcel, venerated since the fourteenth century
On the slopes of Saint-Marcel, at around 960 metres, the Plout sanctuary has been venerated since the fourteenth century. It is a few minutes’ drive from the village centre, along the road to Les Druges.
From niche to oratory
It began as a small sanctuary carved into the rock, housing a statue of Notre-Dame-des-Ermites (Our Lady of the Hermits). In the seventeenth century a mason was healed in a way thought miraculous, and an oratory was built. In 1715 a larger building went up for pilgrims, and the Virgin changed title: she became Notre-Dame-de-Tout-Pouvoir, “Our Lady of All Power”.
A Greek-cross church
The present church dates from 1850-1853. It is neoclassical, in the shape of a Greek cross. The façade has a portico with four columns. Under the portico, fifteen niches painted in 1841 show the mysteries of the Rosary. On the high altar stands a wooden statue of the Virgin from 1744. The walls are covered with ex-votos.
A “respite” sanctuary
Plout is also a “respite sanctuary”. In the past, stillborn babies were brought here, in the hope that they would return to life for a moment, long enough to be baptised.
Feast days
The sanctuary celebrates on 26 July, the feast of Saint Anne, and on 14 September, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
Notre-Dame-de-Tout-Pouvoir Sanctuary
Località Plout
11020 Saint-Marcel (AO)
Information: Diocesan Curia of Aosta, +39 0165 238515 · diocesiaosta.it
Main photo : Rufus46, via Wikimedia Commons.
Maps: personal work by Marc Badjou.
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