Did you know? This banner was offered to Lourdes in memory of a tragedy in Paris

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Did you know? In 1899, the Duke of Alençon offers a banner to Lourdes in memory of his wife and her heroic sacrifice. On May 4, 1897, during the fire of the Bazar de la Charité, in the 8^e district of Paristhe duchess insists “to be saved after her companions”, relates the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, in a publication on social networks.

A particularly deadly fire

Sister of the Empress Sissi», Sophie-Charlotte, Duchess of Alençon, is seen for the last time praying while standing in the middle of the blaze. This terrible fire cost the lives of more than 120 people almost exclusively women, and injured several hundred.

“The Duke of Alençon, accompanied by his son and his daughter-in-law, later brought the banner to Lourdes,” relates the Sanctuary. “Made by theDupuis housefrom Paris, it is made from the duchess's blue moire dress. »

The fire was caused by the combustion of ether vapors used to power the lamp of a cinema projector. This drama will lead to a re-evaluation of safety practices in the emerging film industry.

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