OUR LADY OF ARRAS

 Day 35: June 14

In the year 371, there fell from heaven at Arras, something like white wool, mixed with heavy rain, of which mention is made by St. Jerome.  It is maintained that the famine, great in the country, was alleviated thus, because the inhabitants of Arras prayed to the Blessed Virgin who sent them this heavenly bread, commonly called manna.  Some remains of this are still to be seen in the church dedicated to Mary’s honor.

There is also a legend regarding the above-mentioned shrine, that Our Lady bestowed on two jongleurs a sacred candle which had power to cure persons afflicted with the then raging plague, known as the “Sacred Fire”.

St Justin Russolillo Writes...

"We believe in the participation of Mary in the divine perfections, and in the divine immensity. We feel her presence near every soul, in all the houses of God, in all religious houses of formation for the apostolate, in all our Vocationist residences." 

(Opera Omnia, Vol I, no. 352, quoted in: Louis Caputo, Justinian Anthology, Vocationist Editions, Palisades Park, 2013, p. 71)

Prayer to Mary

O immaculate and entirely-pure Virgin Mary, Mother of God.

Through you we have been reconciled with our God.

You are the advocate of sinners,

and the secure haven of those who are sailing on the sea of this life.

You are the consolation of the world, the ransom of captives,

the joy of the sick, the comfort of the afflicted, the refuge.

O great Mother of God,

cover us with the wings of your mercy, and pity us.

We are given to you, and consecrated to your service.

O immaculate Virgin, we are under your protection.

(adapted from St Ephrem)