Our Lady is hitching a ride on a racing boat to the Caribbean

The sailboats of the Transat Café L'Or — the longest transatlantic boat race — set sail on October 26 across the Atlantic, heading for Fort-de-France, Martinique. Like any race, it filled the participants with excitement and apprehension. But two of them, Romain Attanasio and Maxime Sorel, could claim to be more serene: The duo are sailing under the protection of Our Lady of Rocamadour, tasked with transporting a replica of the Black Madonna to the French Caribbean island of Martinique.

It all began with a letter to the shrine of Rocamadour, in which the archbishop of the Diocese of Fort-de-France (Martinique), David Macaire, expressed his desire to place his island under the protection of Our Lady of Rocamadour. But how would he represent her?

For the archbishop, who had discovered the ancient history of this Black Madonna during previous missions with the Dominicans, the choice was obvious: She would be the patron saint of sailors and fishermen.

Archbishop David Macaire shared his idea with the rector of the shrine, who was eager to embark on the adventure. But the archbishop wanted to give special meaning to this project.

“He told us of his desire to see the Black Madonna arrive by sea,” says Pierre-Henri de la Fage, director of the Rocamadour shrine.

How about using the race boats?

So the organizers of the Transat Café L'Or set out to find a crew to transport the long-awaited replica of the Black Madonna.

The race director set his sights on a promising duo: Romain Attanasio and Maxime Sorel. Friends on land and mutually supportive at sea — Maxime gave his teammate his old mast two months before the start of last year's Vendée Globe (an around-the-world yacht race), when he had just dismasted — the skippers were approached last spring.

Aware of the importance of the Virgin Mary to the people of the Caribbean, the competitors are taking this role seriously.

The replica of the Black Madonna — made of wood by Italians — was to be placed safely in the hold, under thick layers of bubble wrap. And the skipper of the Fortinet—Best Western sailboat was adamant: “If we have to evacuate the boat, that's the first thing we'll take with us!”

For the director of the shrine, this unprecedented crossing by the statue had to take place with a spirit of welcome.

Just as the shrine welcomes 1.8 million tourists, pilgrims, and history buffs who come to walk the steps of Rocamadour every year, “All those who follow the race from the shore must be able to ask for the intercession and protection of Our Lady,” he insists. 

“Conveying the message through a historical lens offers greater credibility and accessibility; we’re less focused on proselytizing. A bond is created with Our Lady, beyond people’s beliefs.”

The first boats are expected to arrive on November 5 in Fort-de-France, where the diocese has announced a gathering of people from Martinique and Guadeloupe.

After the Black Madonna is handed over, the statue will remain for a time at the cathedral in Fort-de-France. Her newly carved features give her a rather Caribbean look, adds Pierre-Henri de La Fage. 

“In January, she should be moved to Our Lady of Calvary, where she will overlook the city,” says the director. The shrine team plans to reserve tickets for the occasion.

During their preparation for the crossing of the Atlantic, the two skippers focused primarily on the race they were about to share. “Of course, you have to understand each other's reflexes and know how each person approaches events,” explains Romain. “But as a team, maneuvers are easier; we discuss and compare strategies.”

One thing is certain: during this extraordinary adventure, the two friends can count on their teammate as much as on the protection of Our Lady of Rocamadour.