Sonsoles, 2 May 1935: The First Pilgrimage
In May 1935, Josemaría Escrivá and Ricardo Fernández Vallespín made a pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of Sonsoles in Ávila, and the custom of the May pilgrimage was born in Opus Dei. In this episode, historian Alfredo Méndiz comments on some details from a text written after their experience.
Saint Josemaria and Our Lady of Montserrat
St. Josemaría was very devoted to our Lady of Montserrat, and it was on her feast, 27 April, in the year 1954, that he was cured of diabetes, after a dramatic attack in which he almost died.
“Show that you are a mother”
In May of 1970, St. Josemaría announced his desire to cross the Atlantic to prostrate himself at the feet of Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose feast we celebrate on 12 December.
"In Loreto I am especially indebted to Our Lady"
10 December is the feast of Our Lady of Loreto, established by Pope Francis. Saint Josemaría considered himself especially indebted to Our Lady of Loreto for a very serious need that he placed under Our Lady's mantle on 15 August 1951.
Novena to the Immaculate Conception
Nine days of special preparation for the great feast of our Lady's Immaculate Conception, with some resources for growing in love for Mary Immaculate.
Feast of Our Lady of Knock - “The First Marian Devotion”
The Feast of Our Lady of Knock on August 17th celebrates the Marian apparition at Knock, Ireland, which occurred on August 21, 1879. The event underscores the intimate relationship between Mary and the Eucharist, highlighting her role in Christ's sacrifice and her guidance in Eucharistic devotion. Pope Francis elevated the Knock Shrine to an “International Shrine of Special Eucharistic and Marian Devotion” in 2021, emphasising its significance.
The Visitation of our Lady
On 31 May, the Church celebrates the feast of our Lady visiting her cousin Elizabeth. "Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb! And how have I deserved that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" (Lk 1:42)
The Annunciation of the Lord
Resources with which to celebrate the Annunciation, the feast of the Incarnation of the eternal Son of the Father in the Virgin Mary, on 25 March.
Pilgrimage to Our Lady of the Pillar
Our Lady of the Pillar is one of the oldest Marian invocations. We celebrate her feast day on 12 October.
As in a Film: The Vocation of Mary
A new article in the series “As in a Film,” on the central event in human history: the Incarnation of the Word.