January 2: OUR LADY OF THE PILLAR
In Saragossa, Spain, the feast of Our Lady of the Pillar is a day of special rejoicing. Our Lady of the Pillar is the patroness of policemen and postmen; and the day is commemorated with processions, conventions, and other festivities.
The image of Our Lady of the Pillar is a wooden statue decorated with gold; it is about fifteen inches high. The crown adorning the head of the statue is very intricate. It was made in forty-four days by thirty-three workmen; in it there are 2,836 diamonds cut triangularly, 2725 roses, 145 pearls, 74 emeralds, 62 rubies and 46 sapphires. The crown of the Infant is identical with that of the Virgin, except in size.
The history of Our Lady of the Pillar is unique and interesting. It is said that in the year 40 A.D. the Virgin visited the Apostle Saint James while he was at prayer one night on the shore of the Ebro River in Saragossa. Mary was standing on a column of marble, and she gave St. James her effigy, requesting that he build a chapel in her honor. Saint James complied. To the small chapel has been added a large temple which has been called Our Lady of the Pillar. Throughout the years the kisses of the pilgrims have made a hole in the pedestal, so large that a man’s head can rest therein.
Many miracles have been performed at the shrine of Our Lady of the Pillar: one in 1640 when the limb of a man, Juan, native of Colanda, was cured. In remembrance of the apparition of Our Lady, the people of Saragossa made a vow in 1642 to honor always Mary, as the patroness of Saragossa.
More than a hundred years ago, Saragossa was besieged by a large French army. A few men and women with sixteen cannons and some shotguns, defended the town for two months. The French sacked the famous town, and took everything; but they did not dare touch the treasures of Our Lady of the Pillar. One of the generals boldly took one of the jewels to carry home to his wife, offering the Virgin in exchange a valuable gift. In the first battle, a cannon took off his leg. It was during this terrible siege that the people began to recite the verse so well known to the Spanish, “The Virgin of the Pillar says she does not want to be French. She desires to be the leader of the Aragon troops.”
Dr. C. E. Kamp of the University of California gives an account of this story in his book, Feasts and Customs of the Spanish.
From the Woman in Orbit - A Timeless Marian Treasure Compiled By Sr. Manetta Lamberty, S.C.C.
Apparition Evangelization - start your journey today with a FREE Marian Consecration ebook HERE
The Memorare and the Angelus HERE
Do you pray the Rosary? For the most powerful way to pray, click HERE
2033: Hope, Meaning and Purpose Video
A priest discovers a pig chewing on a Rosary. What he does next transforms his dying parish into a National Shrine!
WATCH BRIDGE OF ROSES ONLINE WITH UNLIMITED STREAMING ON VIMEO HERE
RENT OR PURCHASE BRIDGE OF ROSES ON MDMTV HERE
BUY BRIDGE OF ROSES DVD HERE
Mary's Love Letter - HERE
The story behind the reprinting of the Woman in Orbit HERE
The Woman in Orbit - Mary’s Feasts Every Day Everywhere HERE
