* September 13 – Our Lady of Quinche (Ecuador) - Saint John Chrysostom (d.407)   * Patroness of Ecuador since 1985 --- An initiative of the Mary of Nazareth Association  September 13 – Our Lady of Quinche (Ecuador) - Saint John Chrysostom (d.407)   Patroness of Ecuador since 1985 The mountain village of Quinche is located 30 miles from Quito, Ecuador. Its church has a 25-inch statue of the Virgin Mary dating from the 16th century. Legend tells us that the natives had an apparition of Our Lady and later saw her face in this statue and gave her the name “The Pequeñita” (The Little One). Another legend informs us that the sculptor himself had an apparition of Our Lady who convinced him to sculpt this statue for the people of Quinche, although they could not afford to pay the agreed price. In any event, it is a fact that popular devotion in this place has been very great from the start. In 1943, when the statue was crowned, over 3,000 people made their way on foot to Quito. In 1985, Our Lady of Quinche was declared Patroness of Ecuador, and its shrine, a national shrine.  The Mary of Nazareth Team 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.