* September 4 – Our Lady of the Good Shepherd (Italy) * The Virgin Mary responds to the prayer of a doubting king  --- An initiative of the Mary of Nazareth Association  September 4 – Our Lady of the Good Shepherd (Italy) The Virgin Mary responds to the prayer of a doubting king  Our Lady of Rocamadour The following is the story about Saint Joan of Arc, the Maid of Lorraine who unknowingly and while he was dressed as a courtier, recognized the King of France, Charles VII, hidden in the middle of his court while he was exiled in Chinon (a small town along the Loire River) at a time when his royal title was challenged by other pretenders to the throne. In 1427, King Charles VII, who was still not crowned, had asked for a time of prayer to Our Lady of Rocamadour to discern whether or not he should be crowned in Reims. The Pope gave his permission in a Papal Bull issued in 1428. But to the king who had doubts about his legitimacy, a confirmation was needed that his prayer was just. That confirmation came on February 25, 1429, and it came from heaven. It so happened that a young girl came that very day to ask for an audience with Charles VII. She recognized him amidst the crowd and said, "Kind Dauphin, I tell you from my Lord God that you are true heir to the throne of France." The name of that young girl was Joan of Arc.  www.rocamadour.biz Miniature from Vigiles du roi Charles VII. The citizens of Troyes hand over city keys to the Dauphin and Joan. (Wikipedia) St. Joan of Arc (Wikipedia) 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.