Mary comes to the aid of soldiers, Mary: Day 104

Mary comes to the aid of soldiers

St. Alphonsus recalls the story of one soldier who was protected by Our Lady, and another who was healed of a battle wound through her assistance.

Fr. John Crasset reports that a military commander told him how once he was present when a trumpeter of his company received a pistol shot from a man who stood near him. When the trumpeter examined his breast, where he said he was wounded, he found that the ball had been stopped by a scapular of the Blessed Virgin that he wore. It had not even touched the flesh. He took it and showed it to all who were present.

A certain cavalier of the city of Dole in France, named Ansald, received in battle a wound from an arrow. It entered so deep into the jawbone that it wasn’t possible to extract the iron point that remained. After four years, the poor man was unable any longer to endure the torment. Being very ill as well, he thought of having the wound reopened so that the surgeons might again try to extract the iron.

So he entrusted himself to the Blessed Virgin and made a vow that if she would grant his prayer, he would every year visit a devout image of Mary found in that place and make an offering of a certain sum of money.

As soon as he made the vow, he felt the iron drop on its own accord into his mouth. On the following day, ill as he was, he went to visit the image. When he placed his offering on the altar, he found himself entirely restored to health. —St. Alphonsus Liguori, The Glories of Mary

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .
In what kinds of danger do I find myself, physical or spiritual, that should lead me to seek Mary’s protection? What wounds do I have, physical or spiritual, that need healing?

CLOSING PRAYER
From a prayer of St. Germanus: Mary, my refuge, my defense, my strength, my hope, obtain for me, by your all-powerful intercession, a place with you in paradise.

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