July 22

Our Lady of Safe Hiding, (Overloon, Holland)

Birth of Saint Marguerite Mary Alacoque

Feast of St. Mary Magdalen

St. Mary Magdalen with jar of oil

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I Spoke to Her like a Child I always ran to Mary in all my needs. I had the habit of giving the small crown of the Rosary to her, kneeling on the floor on my bare knees, genuflecting or kissing the floor as many times as I said a 'Hail Mary.'

She has always been a mother to me and has never refused to help me. I ran to her with so much trust that it seemed like I had nothing to fear under her maternal protection.

I consecrated myself to Mary as her slave forever, begging her not to refuse my vow. I spoke to her like a child, with simplicity, just like I would have spoken to my own good mother for whom I felt, as a consequence, a strong and tender love.

I entered the Convent of the Visitation, because I was attracted to the very sweet name of Mary. I believed that what I sought was there. Saint Marguerite Mary Alacoque (d.1690)

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Flower of the Day

Spikenard ("Nard")

Nardostachys grandiflora

(or Nardostachys jatamansi)

St. Mary Magdalen used the sweet scent oil from this plant to anoint Christ (see picture above)

Ave Maria!