Two aspects are significant for this very important pilgrimage site in France. The story of its foundation with the discovery of the non-decayed body of the hermit Armadour / Amoureux / Lovers and La Vierge Noir / the Black Madonna, a simple wooden statue from the 12th century.
——
RELIQUARY OF SAINT AMADOUR
On August 25, 2016, on the eve of the Solemnity of Saint Amadour, founder of the sanctuary, the relics of the saint were unveiled in this new reliquary by Bishop Laurent Camiade (Bishop of Cahors-Rocamadour).
In 1166, the life of the sanctuary was shaken by a major event, a perfectly preserved body was found in the hollow of the rock. Tradition would give it a name: Amadour (The Lover). He is
described as the founder of the sanctuary, the hermit
who is said to have carved the first statue of N-D de Rambadour, who created Rocamadour. Tradition also links him to the biblical figure of Zacchaeus the tax collector.
The body of the saint was venerated in the crypt of St. Amadour until 1562, when it was dismembered by the Huguenots. His remains are housed in this reliquary, consecrated in 2016 on the occasion of the 8th anniversary of the discovery of the body.