During the Franco-Prussian War the people pledged themselves to build a new church for the shrine, should their city be spared:  accordingly the present basilica was begun in 1873 and consecrated in 1896.  The older building dedicated in honor of St. Thomas of Canterbury, still stands.  The new church overtopping the town of Fourviere, is a great pilgrimage center, especially on Our Lady’s birthday, when the Lyonnais fulfill their 300-year old promise of an annual pilgrimage in Mary’s honor.