Germany has two important Marian Sanctuaries: Altötting in Bavaria and Kevelaer close to the border with Netherlands.
It has been a place of Marian Devotion since 9th century.
The Sanctuary was renamed following a miracle in 1489 when a child was saved from drowning thanks to prayers to Our Lady.
The statue is a black representation of the Blessed Virgin Mary with the Child.
Pope John-Paul II came here as a pilgrim on 18th November 1980.
The Feast of the Sanctuary is kept on 15th August.
