* August 11 – Mary Refuge of Sinners - Blessed John Henry Newman (d. 1890)  * Thrown into the fire, he came out unscathed   --- An initiative of the Association Mary of Nazareth  August 11 – Mary Refuge of Sinners - Blessed John Henry Newman (d. 1890)  Thrown into the fire, he came out unscathed   In the 14th century, a spectacular miracle occurred in Avignon, France, thanks to the Angelus. Monsignor Gaume, a theologian and essayist, recalled the facts: "The court of the City of Avignon (not the Church court) had condemned two criminals to be burned alive. The execution was to take place the day before the feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. The pyre was already lit. As he approached, one of the culprits implored the Blessed Virgin ceaselessly, strongly reminding her of the homage he used to pay her daily (i.e the Angelus that he recited three times a day). The executioners threw him into the fire… but he came out like the Hebrews of the furnace of Babylon, alive and with his clothes intact! In an instant his companion was devoured by the flames. Seized again, the miraculous survivor was put on the stake again! But again he came out unscathed and fully alive, like the first time! He was then pardoned and released..." The city of Avignon compiled an authentic record of the event. Such is the power of the Angelus! Photo from www.imgarcade.com The Mary of Nazareth Team Let’s pray together c. 1437-1446 (Photo credit: Wikipedia) Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of death. Amen.   .  Share A Moment with Mary and give your loved ones the opportunity to discover a new aspect of the mystery of the Mother of God each day.