Our Lady of Fez: Marian devotion in the holy city of Morocco

Fez, Morocco

Fez, the spiritual capital of Morocco and the headquarters of the world's oldest university, was during the French protectorate home to an active Catholic community that venerated the Virgin Mary. The church of Our Lady of Fez is testimony to that Christian presence in the imperial city.

Fez: Imperial and Spiritual City

He did. (Fès) is the oldest city in the imperial cities of Morocco, founded in the ninth century. It is the seat of the Universidad de al-Qarawiyyin (859), considered the oldest in the world in operation. The city is a Muslim pilgrimage center, with the tomb of Moulay Idriss, founder of Morocco.

The colonial Catholic community

During the French protectorate (1912-1956), Fez hosted a Catholic community of French and Spanish settlers. A Catholic church was built in the City New (new city), outside the walls of the medina. The church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was the center of the Catholic religious life of the city.

Marian devotion in Fez

The Catholic community of Fez celebrated the main Marian parties:

• Assumption (15 August): solemn mass and procession.
• Immaculate Conception (8 December): main celebration of Advent.
• Rosary: weekly devotion in the parish church.

Dialogue with Islam in Fez

Fez, as the centre of Islamic studies, was a privileged place for Christian-Muslim dialogue. The Catholic priests of Fez maintained respectful relations with the ulemas (Muslim scholars) of the University of al-Qarawiyin. Respect for the figure of Maryam (Mary) in the Quran was a meeting point.

Fez today

The Catholic community of Fez is today small, composed mostly of sub-Saharan workers and some Europeans. The colonial church is still in operation, although with limited assistance. Marian devotion is maintained in the Sunday celebration and in Marian parties.

Prayer to Our Lady of Fez

Oh, Mary, who from the imperial city of Fez you watched over the Christians who lived among the walls of the medina, intercede for the faithful of this holy city. May the dialogue between Christians and Muslims that began in Fez be the seed of peace for the world. May your presence in this millennial city be light for all who seek God. Amen.