This statue of the Pieta is the focal point of the church, holding a special place of honour within the sanctuary. The history of the statue itself is one clouded in mystery, and there is much speculation surrounding its origin. The following is taken from a booklet detailing the parishes history.

“Having definitely chosen, in his explorations of 1907, a site for the location of his future parish, Father A. Royer returned to France with the intention of bringing settlers back with him. Canon Teytard, the pastor of Aubiere, near Clemont-Ferrand, in answer to his request replied in a similar manner:

“my dear Father, I cannot give you settlers, but since you are establishing  parish in honour of the blessed Virgin Mary, I wish to offer you a statue of Mary. You may choose between these two:”

One of these statues was a rather recent replica of Mary made of beautiful Italian marble, while the other was a wooden “Pieta” dating to the 15th century. A marble statue, beautiful as it was, could always be replaced by an even more beautiful one…but a statue whose worm-eaten wood itself certifies its great age, displays a venerable charm which the marvels of modern sculpture could never equal. Was it not to the oldest statues that the pilgrims would crowd and where they obtained the greatest favors? All things considered, it was an esy choice. Father Royer would choose The Pieta.” 

The actual dating of the statue is unknown however an expert on church art from Quebec has speculated that the statue likely dates from the 17th or 18th century due to what he views as the statue’s “baroque-style”. 

In any event the statue is a beautiful historic piece of art and holds a special place in the history of the parishes that have born the name Notre Dame D’Auvergne. Check back for more about the history of this centuries old statue.