Ave Consolatrix Afflictorum

Luxembourg has long held a special place for the Virgin Mary in its heart, particularily as Consolatrix Afflictorum (Tréischterin am Leed, Consoler of the Afflicted). This goes back to the religious wars of the 16th and 17th centuries, when Luxembourg was one of the few places in the Spanish Netherlands that did not renounce Catholicism and embrace the Reform. Every year, a celebration is held for the Virgin Mary, called the Oktav (as it was originally eight days long), and pilgrims have been coming there since 1639. The Virgin was credited with saving the city from the plague in 1666, and so she became the patron saint of the city. The altar in Luxembourg Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre Dame) dates to 1766. The statue is surrounded by votives, and almost always wears a robe.

Traditional Luxembourgish song to the Virgin Mary (with sound, of course)