The heart and destination of the Mariastein pilgrimage is the Chapel of Mercy. Over the centuries, the rock cave has been converted into an atmospheric chapel, which can be reached via a 59-step staircase carved into the rock. The chapel was first documented in 1434.
Since 1442, the reason for the chapel dedicated to Mary has been known: a boy is said to have fallen into the valley at this spot and was miraculously unharmed through the intercession of the Virgin Mary. Over time, a richly embellished legend developed around the details of the event. Soon, the pilgrimage site began attracting large crowds of believers from far and wide. The parish priest of Metzerlen had to be assisted by a dedicated pilgrimage priest.
Miraculous image
The miraculous image is a seated, painted Madonna made of stone, holding the Christ child in her right arm. As old depictions show, Mary and her child are enthroned within the rock (“in the stone”). The origin of the statue is uncertain, but it likely dates back to a Gothic model. It was placed here after the Reformation but before the construction of the monastery.
The official title of the image of grace is Mother of Consolation, but pilgrims also refer to her as the Smiling Madonna. As evidenced by the many thank-you tablets in the Chapel of Grace, people continue to experience help and comfort through Mary to this day. These tablets bear witness to numerous answered prayers.
Mary and Jesus are always dressed in magnificent fabric robes. Together, they have over twenty different garments, all of which were donated by pilgrims, as was the jewelry they wear. Their clothes are changed several times a year, in accordance with the liturgical calendar. In 1926, the image of grace was solemnly crowned by the papal nuncio in Switzerland, on behalf of Pope Pius XI.
Fall Miracle
Many years ago, a farmer’s wife and her child were tending cattle when she lay down in a shady cave to rest. Exhausted from her hard work, she fell into a deep sleep. Upon waking, she realized her child was missing. Frantically, she searched and eventually found him in the valley below, unharmed. The child recounted how he had fallen over the rocks, but his fall had been miraculously stopped. In gratitude for the miraculous rescue, the father had a chapel built above the cave where the mother had slept.
Despite the passage of time, the story has lost none of its power or relevance. For centuries, the grotto with the Smiling Madonna has continued to captivate and inspire. Even today, people of all nationalities, ages, skin colors, cultures, and religions find courage, help, and comfort at this important place of pilgrimage.
The Chapel of Mercy is a place of silence and inner peace, offering essential support and hope to those who are desperate or searching. For centuries, it has provided guidance and comfort to those in need.