According to legend, Amadour and his wife Veronica were witnesses to the pivotal events of Jesus Christ’s life. They lived in Jerusalem, attended the Last Supper, and witnessed the trial and crucifixion. Among the significant acts, saint Veronica is remembered for wiping Jesus’ face with a cloth, capturing the imprint, in an act that immortalised her in Christian history.
After experiencing the death and resurrection of Jesus, their faith emboldened them to preach the Gospel. Facing persecution, they left Palestine for France, where they landed near Bordeaux and established the first Marian shrine in Soulac-sur-Mer, honoring Mary, who had once hosted them in Jerusalem.
Their evangelistic mission extended throughout the region, marked by miraculous healings and conversions, expanding their influence far beyond local borders. Veronica’s life ended in Soulac around the year 70, and she was buried there.
Amadour continued his missionary efforts further inland and ultimately chose a life of asceticism as a hermit in Rocamadour, devoting himself to spirituality, solitude and simplicity.
The city of Rocamadour, deriving its name from “the rock of Amadour“, became a pilgrimage site in 1138 when an perfectly intact corpse, believed to be Amadour’s, was discovered holding the statue of the Black Madonna. This statue, known for miracles, continues to be venerated in the Sanctuary of Rocamadour today.
