* September 18 – Our Lady of Meritxell (Andorra) * The image of Our Lady had vanished --- An initiative of the Mary of Nazareth Association  September 18 – Our Lady of Meritxell (Andorra) The image of Our Lady had vanished The Shrine of Meritxell, in the hamlet of the same name in Andorra, is dedicated to the Madonna of Meritxell, patron saint of the Principality. The origin of the devotion to Our Lady of Meritxell is based on the following story: Around the 12th century, on the feast of the Epiphany, some Meritxell residents traveling on foot to the village of Canillo to attend Mass unexpectedly found a wild rosebush in blossom although it was mid-January. Intrigued by the sight, they approached and discovered a painting of the Madonna beneath it. They shared their discovery with the priest, who after Mass brought the sacred image to the church of Canillo, accompanied by the entire village. The next day, when the church was opened, the image of Our Lady was nowhere to be seen. A traveler passing by the church told the priest that he had discovered a painting of the Madonna beneath a blossoming rosebush. So the villagers went back to the original place and found the image of the Virgin Mary at the foot of the same wild rosebush that, despite the heavy snowfall of the night, was in bloom, the snow having melted around it. It was then decided to build a church at that very place to protect and venerate the image of the Virgin Mary, now known as Our Lady of Meritxell, patron saint of Andorra. The Mary of Nazareth Team Source : andorre-monuments.andorramania.com Old Sanctuary of Meritxell 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.