PARAY-LE-MONIAL, Sanctuary of. — This city, belonging to the diocese of Autun, is an ancient Benedictine priory (10th century) and one of the most important places in France. The piety emanating from it and the enduring memories of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque (q.v.) attract numerous pilgrims every year. There, in 1673, Our Lord asked the saint to spread devotion to His Most Sacred Heart. In 1688, the first chapel dedicated to the Sacred Heart was blessed, and in 1873 the great pilgrimages began. In January 1875, Cardinal Perraud obtained from the Pontiff the title and privileges of a minor basilica for the ancient Benedictine church of P.-le-M., and also secured that the feast of the Sacred Heart be declared the patronal feast.
BIBL.: U. Chevalier, *Chartularum prioratus B. M. de Paredo Monachorum*, Montbéliard 1891; C. Oursel, *P.-le-M. et Clunv*, Dijon 1926; J.-M. Tissier, *Grands sanctuaires de France*, Paris 1928; Cottineau, II, cols. 2188-89. Romualdo Souran