Today is May 25, and Pentecost is six days away.

Have you ever heard of Our Lady of the Pillar, in Zaragoza, Spain?  That’s where the first recorded apparition of the Blessed Mother took place. And technically it was a “bi-location” because she was still alive and living with St. John the Apostle in Ephesus.

At that time St. James had traveled to the Iberian Peninsula to announce the Gospel, but he found that the people living there were really, really stubborn (and they still are!).  He was ready to give up and return to Jerusalem when the Blessed Mother appeared to him standing on top of a classic Roman column in the square and said, “Hang in there Jim!  If they convert they will wind up spreading the Good News all over the world.”  And that’s just what happened.  Spain became Catholic, and from there the faith spread to America, and to Asia, and around the world.  It’s all because of the Blessed Mother, once again at the “crossroads of history.”

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.  Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.  Amen.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS