August 24

Consecration of Our Lady of Benoite-Vaux (France, 1138)

Our Lady of Benoite-Vaux

Benoite-Vaux means The Valley of Blessing

By 1140, the monks from Etanche Abbey, Lorraine, France owned land and a chapel in the little valley watered by a little tributary of the Meuse, half way between Verdun and Bar-le-Duc: they called it the “Valley of Blessing” or “Benoîte-Vaux.” According to legend, woodcutters are said to have heard Angels singing the Ave Maria at this spot and to have found a statue of Mary at the foot of an oak tree not far from its source. The Blessed Virgin was holding an apple in one hand and the Infant Jesus in the other. She is called “Comforter of the Afflicted” and the “Queen of Peace.” From the Marian Dictionary CLD 1991

The shrine was known as a protection against Swedish invaders.

Listen to Ave Maria! (Hail Mary!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSDxEA0476U&feature=related

Flower of the Day

Pink Lady Apple

Mary's Apple Tree

Apple Geranium Pelargonium odorat The Queen's Geranium

Pray for Peace

...My child, there will be peace, as has been promised, but not until my children are purified and cleansed from defilement, and clothed thus with the white garment of grace, are made ready to receive this peace, so long promised and so long held back because of the sins of men.

.."Making the rosary a family prayer is very pleasing to me. I ask that all families trive to do so. But be careful to say it with great devotion, meditating on each mystery and striving to imitate in your daily lives the virtues depicted therein. Live the mysteries of the rosary as I lived them, and it will become a chain binding you to me forever. They who are found in the circle of my rosary will never be lost. I myself will lead them at death to the throne of my Son, to be eternally united to Him.

---Our Lady of America

The original Statue

Pray the Rosary everyday!

Ave Maria!