The story of Our Lady of Treves begins with an image of the Blessed Virgin (known as Our Lady of Clos Evrard) which was attached to an oak tree by a winedresser who wished to honor her. Our Lady then asked him to build a small hut in her honor. As miracles were attributed to Mary’s intercession at the site, a chapel was built, and then a church which was dedicated in 1449 in Trier (known in English as Treves), Germany.
Our Lady of Treves is intimately connected to the life of St. Jerome Emiliani who lived from 1486 – 1537. He was a soldier who was defending Castelnuevo in Fruili, Italy, when he was captured by the Venetians, chained, and thrown into prison. While he languished in prison, he began to feel a great remorse for his past sins. In an act of desperation, he promised Mary, whom he thought of as the Mother of Divine Mercy, that if she would help him, he would reform his life.
His prison cell filled with light, his chains came loose, and Mary appeared to him, handing him a key to open the prison door. He escaped and rushed to Mary’s shrine in Trier where he prayed and gave thanks. He began a life of penance, eventually founding the Company of the Servants of the Poor who dedicated their lives to caring for orphans and the sick.
Prayer
Mary, Mother of Divine Mercy, help us to reject sin and reform our lives so that we may more closely follow your son.
Reflection
Is there a situation in your life that you feel desperate about? Today, give that burden to Mary and ask her to help you.
No comments:
Post a Comment