Dévotions à Toulouse au XVe siècle autour du saint suaire de Cadouin-Toulouse

Abstract

The holy shroud of Christ venerated in the Cistercian Abbey of Cadouin in Perigord, since the 13th century, assured the success of a pilgrimage that was very popular up to the beginning of the Hundred years war. The shroud was brought to Toulouse in 1392 and as it was destined to remain there for eternity, it was rapidly adopted by the Toulouse population which, like the municipal elites, integrated it in a set of civil relics. The faithful multiplied gifts, built an oratory and chapel disposing of diverse measures of security. New reliquaries increased the value of the shroud during viewings. Numerous thaumaturgical miracles happened and King Charles VI himself attempted to obtain the curing of his folly. But the monks of Cadouin recuperated their precious relic in 1455 thanks to a «theft » that the Capitouls of Toulouse continued to deplore at the beginning of the 16th century.