July 18: OUR LADY OF TOLEDO
One of the most strenuous champions of the perpetual virginity of the most Holy Mother of God was Saint Ildephonsus, archbishop of Toledo in Spain. When but ten years old, he was placed under the direction of Saint Isidore of Seville that he might learn besides human science, the virtues necessary in a minister of the Lord. Later, notwithstanding the opposition of his parents, he entered the monastery of Saints Cosmas and Damian.
Spain at that time was infested by a crowd of Arian heretics who taught that Jesus Christ was not the equal of His Father but only an adopted Son, and therefore, Mary was not the Mother of God, but an ordinary woman.
Saint Ildephonsus directed all his pastoral care against this nefarious doctrine, and proved both by writing and preaching that Jesus Christ is truly God, equal to the Father, and that Mary is the Most Holy Mother of God, and yet a Virgin.
One day as Saint Ildephonsus was praying at the tomb of Saint Leocadia in the presence of a large multitude of the Faithful, among whom was the King Recesvintuc, the stone which covered the sacred remains of this Virgin, was suddenly lifted and the Saint coming forth from the tomb addressed the holy bishop, exclaiming: “O Ildephonsus, through thee is my Mistress living.” By this, Saint Leocadia wished to show how efficacious was the preaching of Ildephonsus.
As witness of this wonderful apparition, Mary appeared and to confirm the truth which he had defended, bade St. Leocadia to detach a small piece of her veil and give it to the holy bishop. This is preserved to the present day as a precious relic in the cathedral of Toledo. St. Ildephonsus died January 23, 667.
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