Le Mans is indeed the name of a province in France, and, like its mother country, it has existed for a very, very long time. Le Mans is probably better known for its famous 24 Hour race, (starring the Ford’s GT40). However, this province, also like France as a whole, has its very historic Catholic origins.
The history of Le Mans goes all the way back to the time of St. Julian of Le Mans (Feast January 27), who was the first Catholic Bishop of that Province. Another Catholic Bishop of Le Mans was St. Liborius (Feast July 23). St. Liborius of Le Mans is honored in the Cathedral in Paderborn, and is invoked against several bodily ailments, including gallstones.
According to Catholic Legend (in the Catholic realm, the term ‘legend’ does not necessarily mean something that is a myth), SS. Mary, Martha, and Lazarus of Bethania were all persecuted following the Holy Day of Pentecost. They were put on a boat along with other Catholics, and sent out to drift in the sea. However, God’s Divine Providence safely guided the boat to settle in the territory which became Catholic France, the eldest daughter of the Catholic Church. St. Lazarus was said to have played a major role in the conversion of the people there, and before long, France truly did become “the eldest daughter of the Catholic Church”. St. Denis was also said to have been Bishop in France before he moved to Greece (hence, St. Denis is known as the Patron of Greece).
France is also the location of the beautiful Cathedral of Notre Dame (the Cathedral of Our Lady). The Cathedral is well known for containing the Holy Relic of Our Lord’s Crown of Thorns, and many kings were coronated in this Cathedral. Although the Cathedral has been going through its share of the holy passion of The Church, do not worry; its restoration is completely and entirely in God’s Providential Hands.
Speaking of Our Lady, another beautiful location in France is Lourdes, the site of a series of approved Apparitions of Our Lady. One day, St. Bernadette Sourbirous went out with her sisters to collect firewood,…
If you ever take a trip to the famous race and visit these famous automobiles, then you should probably visit the beautiful Cathedral that is most likely not too far (it is truly beautiful to take a tour in Europe, indeed). Pilgrimages are very common May God restore the true Faith in all of France to an even greater beauty than before!
Saints Julian and Liborius of Le Mans, orate pro nobis! Amen.
Under Mary's Mantle 