On a cold winter night 17th January 1871, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared in Pontmain, France. Even though there were adults present, it was only the children who saw her. Mary did not speak, but words appeared below her feet like a scroll unfolding:
“ But pray, my children, God will answer your prayers very soon. My Son allows himself to be moved by compassion.”
One would wonder why Mary would begin her message with a conjunction (but). The people of Pontmain knew. Prior to the apparition, they were in the middle of the Franco-Prussian war and the Prussians are about to invade them. People were losing hope and felt their prayers were falling on deaf ears.
Time and again, when the world faces a great tribulation, God sends Mary. And our Lady, in turn, would always lead us to our God, the source of hope.
The people prayed and they were spared from the invading army. Mary's message in Pontmain centuries ago was the response of the Heavenly Father to the cries of His people. And it is still very apt today as we face a persistent pandemic. Keep on praying my dear friends, God will always allow Himself to be moved by compassion.
Happy Feast of Our Lady of Hope to all of you.
I grew up very near the Our Lady of Hope Parish in Quezon City, Philippines.
#TotusTuusMaria #OurLadyOfHope #OurLadyOfPontmain #YearOfStJoseph
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