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Historical documents state that Mary appeared to the disciples of Jesus when she was still alive, claiming that the Virgin appeared to the early Christians of Spain to sustain them in their difficulties. We are talking about the apparition of the Virgin of the Pillar, in Spain. According to tradition, supported by documents dating back to the thirteenth century, the appearance took place one day when the apostle James was on the river Ebro, which crosses the city of Zaragoza; he was discouraged because people had not responded to the preaching of the Gospel. The Virgin appeared to him suddenly, standing on a marble pillar, comforted him and then asked for a shrine to be built in the place of her appearance. According to historical sources, this is the same column on which Mary appeared to him: The documents indicate that this happened in the year 39 or 40, when Mary was currently living in Ephesus. Christianity in Spain began its first steps at that time.
The apostle James and the eight witnesses who saw the apparition began to build a church, where the basilica of Zaragoza, formerly called "Cesaraugusta" now stands. As centuries passed with schisms in Christianity and the Arab invasion of Spain, the shrine of Our Lady of the Pillar, though rebuilt several times, has remained in the heart of Iberian Christians. Numerous miracles are attributed to the intercession of the Virgin of the Pillar. One of the best known and documented is the "Miracle of Calanda", according to which a beggar, Miguel Pellicer, born in Calanda, experienced the restoration of his leg, which had been amputated in October 1637. The origin of Christianity in Spain, marked first by discouragement and failure, found its foundation in St. James and the Virgin of the Pillar. For this reason Spanish Catholics feel their country is the "Land of Mary." Compostela and Zaragoza, the Pillar and the Apostle Santiago, are the two fundamental axes around which the spirituality of the Spanish people revolve. Prayer:
Oh Virgin of the Pillar, Queen and Mother, Spain and all Hispanic nations gratefully acknowledge your constant protection and depend on it.
Obtain from your Son strength in faith, surety in hope and constancy in love. May we feel in every moment of our life that you are our Mother.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen. http://www.mariedenazareth.com |
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