* September 20 – Our Lady of Itati (Paraguay) * In every Marian shrine we encounter our Mother --- An initiative of the Mary of Nazareth Association  September 20 – Our Lady of Itati (Paraguay) In every Marian shrine we encounter our Mother It was an emotional moment for many. On July 11, 2015, during Pope Francis’ visit to the Marian Shrine of Caacupé, Paraguay, while celebrating Mass, the pope consecrated Paraguay to the Virgin Mary, following a long history of Marian devotion. The Pope prayed before the statue of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception of Miracles who has been venerated there since the 16th century. "Being here with you makes me feel at home, at the feet of our Mother, the Virgin of Miracles of Caacupé," the Pope said in his homily. "We come bringing our lives, because here we are at home and it is wonderful to know there is someone waiting for us." "In every shrine we, her children, encounter our Mother and are reminded that we are brothers and sisters. Shrines are places of festival, of encounter, of family," he emphasized. At the end of the Mass, a decree of the Holy See elevated the shrine to the dignity of a basilica. "This shrine preserves and treasures the memory of a people who know that Mary is their Mother, who has always been at the side of her children." Source: zenit.org www.mariedenazareth.com Let’s pray together  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.