It is written in the sky
I received recently an article on Our Lady of Pontmain. This apparition took place on January 17, 1871, in the small French village of Pontmain, in the middle of the Franco-Prussian war. Paris was under sieged and Pontmain in imminent danger, on Sunday evening, January 15. At the local church, sobbing parishioners sang to Mary, Mother of Hope. Two days later, Mary appeared and promised that soon their prayers would be answered. What a turnaround!
We are not at war, but a danger is lying in wait for us: that of losing hope. If so, take time to read on Pontmain!
Today is a joyous anniversary, the apparition of Our Lady in Pontmain, France, on January 17, 1871.
150th?
This kind of anniversary is timeless. Yesterday becomes today, and the event brings new relevance for us. And today carries its message of hope into tomorrow. Who could have predicted, in the midst of social anxiety provoked by the war between France and Prussia, that "something" so surprising would occur… two days later… and would transform fright into jubilation?
On the evening of January 17, the small village of Pontmain was about to be invaded by the Prussians. The enemy was 50 kilometers away… What happened to the men of the village, enlisted in the army? Thirty-eight of them: the whole village was worried sick.
One child saw something happening in the sky, and all the sudden seven children claimed they could see the Beautiful Lady. Quickly the whole village gathered outside. Indeed, something is being written in the sky, on an unfolding banner… one letter at a time!
"But pray my children, God will answer you shortly."
People sing, people pray: the Beautiful Lady follows the rhythm of the songs with her hands, the stars, one by one start to cover her dark blue dress.
Only the children see this unfolding; the others believe, rejoice. They are outside, it is cold, war is very near, but hope fills their hearts with warmth for three hours.
"But pray my children…"
Prayer is old fashioned, the word itself has lost its meaning: we prefer positive thoughts. Isn't prayer a refuge for the weak? Yet, I have often observed with amazement that people are usually happy when they hear someone is praying for them in unhappy moments.
Prayer is a struggle, so is the battle at the frontline: deserting is an easy choice. However, Pontmain kept praying during those cold winter days, every day. Result: the Prussians, ready to invade Laval, withdrew the next day. The men from the village returned home safely, and the armistice was signed on January 26. It was written in the sky!
Don't we also say: "Heaven sent you"?
Yes, Our Lady, heaven sends you.
Anguish, loneliness, fear of illness or of the future? Our Lady of Pontmain, we ask you on January 17, 2021, to deliver us.
