Saint Donatus of Lure
Abbot and Founder
A disciple of Saint Marinus, Saint Donatus founded the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Lure in the Basses-Alpes in the 5th century. A Benedictine monk who died in 490, he is traditionally considered the sculptor of the statue of the Virgin honored in this sanctuary. The site, ruined by the Saracens, remains an important place of pilgrimage, notably invoked against drought.
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NOTRE-DAME DE LURE, IN THE DIOCESE OF DIGNE.
Foundation and life of Saint Donat
In the 5th century, Saint Donat, a disciple of Saint Marin, founded the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Lure in the Basses-Alpes, where he led a monastic life until his death in 490.
Around the middle of the 5th century, Sa saint Donat Benedictine monk of the 7th century, founder of the Abbey of Lure. int Donat, a d isciple of Saint Ma saint Marin ou Mary Abbot of Beuvon and spiritual master of Saint Donatus. rin or Mary, abbot of Beuvon or Val-Benoît, withdrew into a gor ge of the Lure m montagne de Lure Mountain range in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence where the sanctuary is located. ountain (Basses-Alpes), where he founded the first Abbey of Notre-Dam abbaye de Notre-Dame de Lure Abbey founded by Saint Donatus, which became a place of pilgrimage. e de Lure. This Benedictine monk died in 490 and was buried in the abbey.
Destruction and reconstructions
The primitive abbey, ruined by the Saracens, was rebuilt by local lords before being attached to the Order of Chalais; only the oratory remains today.
It is probable that the abbey of the first anchorites was built not far from the current chapel of Notre-Dame de Lure, as scattered ruins in the vicinity seem to indicate. The convent was ruined by the Saracens and the chapel rebuilt by some great lords who paid homage for it to Guignes, abbot of Boscodon and of Chalais or Chales. Nothing remains of the monastery of Lure but the pilgrimage and the oratory of N otre-Dame de Lure, the only cu oratoire de Notre-Dame de Lure Abbey founded by Saint Donatus, which became a place of pilgrimage. rrent vestige of the various foundations that succeeded one another in this place.
Veneration and miraculous statue
A statue of the Virgin, attributed to Saint Donatus himself, is the object of particular devotion, especially for obtaining rain during periods of drought.
The statue of Our Lady of Lure, said to be the work of the inexperienced chisel of S saint Donat Benedictine monk of the 7th century, founder of the Abbey of Lure. aint Donatus, is venerated by pilgrims and invoked especially in times of drought.
Pilgrimage traditions
The sanctuary attracts local populations during major Marian feasts and Pentecost, perpetuating customs of mountain gatherings.
It is on Whit Monday, August 15th, and September 8th that the surrounding populations flock to this Lower Alpine sanctuary. Large linden trees shade the square that extends in front of the chapel. It is there that the inhabitants of the neighboring villages, and especially those of Reill Reillanne Village whose inhabitants are assiduous participants in the pilgrimage. anne, camp and light large fires to warm themselves, so brisk is the air in these mountains. Notice provided through the kind ness of M. Antoin M. Antoine Ricard Abbé of Marseille who provided the biographical notice. e Ricard, honorary canon of Marseille.
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Retreat in a gorge of the Lure mountain in the mid-5th century
- Foundation of the first abbey of Notre-Dame de Lure
- Sculpture of the statue of Our Lady of Lure
- Death and burial in the abbey in 490