Saint Yolaine
Virgin and Martyr
A 4th-century Roman virgin and companion of Saint Benotte, Yolaine withdrew into the woods of Thiérache to evangelize. Denounced and put to death by the Roman governor, her tomb became a major pilgrimage site at the origin of the village of Pleine-Selve. She is invoked for the health of children near a miraculous fountain.
Guided reading
5 reading sections
SAINT YOLAINE, VIRGIN AND MARTYR (4th century).
Life and martyrdom of Saint Yolaine
A companion of Saint Benotte in the 4th century, Yolaine retired into the woods to evangelize the local populations before being denounced and put to death by the Roman governor.
This saint lived in the 4th century. A Roman virgin, she was one of the companions of Saint Benotte, who was martyred at Origny, since called Origny-Sainte-B enotte. Saint Sainte Yolaine Virgin and martyr of the 4th century, evangelizer of the Thiérache region. Yolaine had retired into the woods that then covered this region, to work for the conversion of the peoples living in the surroundings. Denounced to the Roman governor of the province, she was put to death; but the faithful having raised an oratory over her tomb, pilgrims came there from all parts, and striking miracles answering the fervor of their prayers, they built for themselves, around this oratory, in the middle of these woods, small mounds and settled there as in a place blessed by heaven.
Origin of the village of Pleine-Selve
The influx of pilgrims around the saint's oratory led to the creation of the village of Pleine-Selve, in the heart of a wooded area.
The village that resulted from this gathering of pilgrims naturally took the name of Pl eine-Selve, Pleine-Selve Village that grew from the gathering of pilgrims around the saint's tomb. Pleux-Sylea. Before the Revolution, one could still see in the woods, near the now-destroyed castle, the hermitage and the chapel erected in honor of Saint Yolaine. There still exists today in the wood known as the Château, a small chapel that experts date back three or four hundred years, which would suggest that it escaped revolutionary vandalism. This chapel covers a fountain whose water is attributed by popula r faith fontaine Spring located beneath the chapel, reputed to strengthen frail children. with the virtue of strengthening children of weak constitution. Thus, the gathering of pilgrims does not slow down, despite the decline of religion in the surrounding area. Throughout the year, mothers with pious and believing hearts come from afar to ask Saint Yolaine for the healing of their sickly children. The old men of the village, under the shade of the great trees, go to beg her to bless their final days and to obtain for them a peaceful end in the Lord. But it is on Whit Monday, the day dedicated to the pilgrimage, that the crowd of strangers is immense. On that day, the little chapel takes on a festive air, and the village is in jubilation. It would be considered a crime not to follow the procession that files through the paths of the woods, to the joyful fanfares of the music.
Popular devotion and pilgrimage
A chapel housing a miraculous fountain still attracts mothers seeking the healing of their children, particularly during the pilgrimage on Whit Monday.
In the small chapel currently existing, there is a statue of Saint Yolaine that appears quite old. The Saint is depicted trampling an enormous winged dragon underfoot: the expression on her face is one of holy indignation and noble pride.
Iconographic representation
The saint is represented by an ancient statue showing her slaying a winged dragon, a symbol of her spiritual strength.
Abbé Hécart. Letter of August 9, 1871. See also the life of Saint Benotte, on October 8. — The village of Pleine-Selve, with 619 inhabitants, is located 31 kilometers north of Laon and 22 kilometers east of Saint-Quentin: it is in the canton of Ribemont, arrondissement of Saint-Quentin. This village belonged to the former Thié ancienne Thiérache Historical region where the village of Pleine-Selve is located. rache.
Location and sources
Geographical details on the village of Pleine-Selve in Thiérache and mention of the historical source by Abbé Hécart in 1871.
Abbé Hécart. Letter of August 9, 1871. See also the life of Saint Benotte, on October 8. — The village of Pleine-Selve, with 619 inhabitants, is located 31 kilometers north of Laon and 22 kilometers east of Saint-Quentin: it is in the canton of Ribemont, arrondissement of Saint-Quentin. This village belonged to the former Thiérache.
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Retreat in the woods for the conversion of the peoples
- Denunciation to the Roman governor
- Put to death for her faith
- Erection of an oratory over her tomb
- Formation of the village of Pleine-Selve by pilgrims
Miracles
- Striking miracles at her tomb
- Healing power of the fountain for weak children