On January 8, the Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Prompt Succor. The history of this feast dates back to the British attack on New Orleans in 1815. General Andrew Jackson's small group of untrained soldiers was no match for the skilled British army, who outnumbered their American counterparts. But the Ursuline sisters and residents of New Orleans spent the night of the battle in prayer. Then something miraculous happened. We highlighted the story in October's inSPIRE article, The Power of Prayer, but it's definitely worth a second read. Let's join together in prayer this JanuMary and ask our Blessed Mother for her intercession for us, our loved ones, and our country.

Did you know that almost half of General Jackson's soldiers were in need of rifles and adequate clothing when they reached New Orleans in early January 1815? Yet the townspeople united in prayer, asked Our Lady for her intercession, and witnessed a miracle (see the article above: Our Lady of Prompt Succor). Miracles still happen today, some in small things, others in large. Both are needed and precious.

Our Blessed Mother herself tells us to wear her Miraculous Medal with confidence and ask for her help. Her Medal is a sign of our devotion to her—and her devotion to us.  

As we begin 2021, let's thank Mary for her dedication to us in the past year and renew our devotion to her for this new one.

Entrust yourself, your loved ones, and this New Year to Mary. Submit your intentions to us, and we'll pray for them at the Shrine on the Marian celebrations throughout the entire year. Your donation will help spread devotion to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal so others may receive her graces and find much-needed healing and peace. Thank you.