Making the Climb, by Sister Elaine Hollis, SSJ

One of the most impressive sights here in LePuy are the volcanic mountains that rise out of the valleys. It seems that no matter where one goes one can always see either the mountain topped by Our Lady of France or the one with the Chapel of St. Michael.


Chapel of St. Michael                                                  Stairway leading to the Chapel

On one of my first walks I discovered the entrance-way to the stairs one climbs to reach the Chapel. There was a fee of about $4 and I had not brought any money with me. I also figured there would not be time to make the climb before our afternoon session started so I turned around and returned to the Centre.

Chapel built right into the rocks     Our Lady of France & the Cathedral from the Chapel

Today I set out again after lunch having discovered that SSJs get in without paying. I thought I would just go up a short ways thinking the climb might take longer than the time I had. On the way up a couple explained to me that it really didn't take that long and so I continued to the top. What a view!

One can walk all the way around this Chapel which was built in the 10th century by the Bishop of LePuy on his return from the first French pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. I cannot even begin to imagine how they carried the rocks and other materials needed to the top and then eventually carved the stairway to reach the Chapel. It is an amazing testament to the faith of the people. One can almost feel the presence of all those who have made this climb over the centuries, including, perhaps, many of our own Sisters.

Interior of the Chapel