* January 10 – Our Lady of Tears (Italy, 1546)  * Why does she always look different when she appears to us? --- An initiative of the Mary of Nazareth Association January 10 – Our Lady of Tears (Italy, 1546) Why does she always look different when she appears to us? In the Catholic Church, we venerate the Virgin Mary with filial love. It is important to do this, not only because she shows us Jesus, but also because she shows us the way that God chose to come to us in the divine person of Jesus. Mary leads us to Jesus, not just through the mystery of the Incarnation, but also through her apparitions and signs. But why does she change her physical appearance so often? In general, the apparitions of Our Lady have coincided with a precise historical event or a particular need of God's people. This demonstrates the maternal side of the Virgin Mary, who took the mission entrusted to her by Jesus on the cross very seriously—caring for us as her own children. The Virgin takes on the ethnic traits of the populations among whom she chooses to appear. Each of these apparitions helps us to contemplate Mary’s greatness through her different features. Her greatness can thus be perceived at all times, in all places and in all cultures. Father Henri Vargas Holguin fr.aleteia.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.