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Our Lady of Hope Apparition
During the reign of Napoleon III, France was engaged
in a terrible war with Germany and the French army was
defeated at every turn. The French soldiers under Napoleon
III suffered the consequences of their emperor's errors
in judgment. In 1870, over 80,000 of Napoleon's soldiers,
along with Napoleon himself were captured and sent to
prison.
The French military began drafting men and boys who
had no military experience. All of them lived in the
small town of Pont-Main, France. Before leaving their
homes, all the draftees went to Mass and confession.
They were consecrated to the Blessed
Mother.
Not only did the French suffer from the wars and battles
but disease also took its toll. Smallpox and typhoid
struck the French people of Laval. Just when the people
were despairing, Our Lady of Hope appeared first to
a 12 year old boy named, Eugene, then to four other
children in Pont-Main, France.
Our Lady of Hope Message
The word of Our Lady of Hope's appearance spread throughout
the town and a large crowd gathered to hear her message.
A few hecklers in the crowd seemed to make Our Lady
sad, but she smiled when she heard most of the people
praying the Rosary, singing hymns, and reciting prayers.
As Our Lady of Hope appeared before the crowd, a banner
formed beneath her which read: "But pray my children,
God will soon grant your request. My Son allows Himself
to be moved by compassion".
Our Lady of Hope Miracle
Strangely enough, on the night of the apparition, the
General of the Prussian Army was about to attack Pont-Main
but received orders to abandon the invasion. The Catholic
West was never attacked and eventually peace came to
France.
At the same time, the Prussian army was prevented from
moving on to Pont-Main because an "invisible Madonna"
blocked their way. Twelve days after the apparition
of Our Lady of Hope, a peace treaty was signed and the
war was over.
Our Lady of Hope Remembered
Our Lady of Hope is remembered for the peace she brought
to France. Even today, the Our Lady of Hope novena is
recited by many Catholics, not only in France, but around
the world.
Our Lady of Hope gives a glimmer of hope to people who
are suffering. Many of these people say a prayer for
hard times to Our Lady of Hope, fervently asking for
mercy and help. Catholics are known for their devotion
to the Blessed Mother, often wearing an Our Lady of
Hope medal or Our Lady of Hope charm as sign of faith
in her guidance.
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