The Political Significance of August 15 in France

For over three centuries, a striking marble ensemble has graced the heart of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, symbolizing a profound connection between France and the Virgin Mary. This artwork, crafted during the twilight of Louis XIV's reign, embodies the vow made by Louis XIII in 1638 to dedicate his kingdom to Mary, establishing August 15 as a day of celebration for the Assumption, which honors her ascension to heaven. This legally binding commitment marked a significant moment in French Catholic tradition. Louis XIII's vow emerged during a tumultuous period marked by personal and political strife, including threats from his brother Gaston d'Orléans and the ravaging Thirty Years' War. The king's relief was palpable when his wife, Anne of Austria, became pregnant after 23 years of infertility, leading to the birth of Louis XIV, who was named Louis-Dieudonné, meaning "God-given." This event was perceived as a miraculous response to the king's dedication to the Virgin Mary, reinforcing the spiritual bond between the monarchy and the divine. The influence of Louis XIII's vow extended beyond his reign, as it was supported by his minister, Cardinal Richelieu, and established a long-standing association between the Virgin Mary and French sovereignty. The phrase "Regnum Galliae, regnum Mariae," attributed to Pope Urban II, encapsulates this relationship, suggesting that France is intrinsically linked to Mary. In the 20th century, Pope John XXIII echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that every nation has a divine mission, with France's motto serving as a testament to its historical reverence for the Virgin Mary and its royal lineage.