150t h anniversary of the Apparition of Our Lady in Pontmain – January 17, 1871 Saint Catherine Labouré kneeling next to the Virgin Mary – Statue overhanging the entrance porch to the chapel and convent in Rue du Bac, Paris. vealing Her profound sorrow flowed abundantly from the eyes of our heavenly Mother, to the point of choking Her voice. Dismayed, Sister Catherine asked herself interiorly, “When will these things happen?” And she distinctly heard, “In forty years!” After some time, Our Lady continued: “Great calamities are going to take place, the danger will be great. But do not be afraid, the protection of God is always there in a special way... I Myself will be with you; My eye is always upon you. I will grant you many graces.” Commenting on these last words, Sister Labouré explained, “Graces will be showered especially upon those who ask for them, but let us pray! let us pray!”2 * * * * * * * September 19, 1846. On the mountain of La Salette in the French Alps, two little shepherds, Melanie Calvat and Maximin Giraud, were grazing their cows. After a frugal snack, having amused themselves by building a little stone house, they felt sleepy. While these innocent children were taking their rest, the heavens opened up and Mary, Mother of God, descended once again upon French soil. Again She wept! When the shepherds awakened and saw Her, She said to them: “Come closer, My chil2. In the evening of January 17, 1871, around 7:00 p.m., Sister Catherine Labouré learned by revelation that the Virgin was appearing in Pontmain, while her companions and their young workers were admiring the extraordinary hue of the sky “full of mystery, as if wrapped in a veil of light crepe.” dren, do not be afraid. I am here to tell you great news. “If My people do not want to submit, I am compelled to let My Son’s hand go. It is so heavy and so oppressive that I can no longer hold it back. “I have been suffering for you for such a long time! If I do not want My Son to abandon you, I am entrusted with praying to Him unceasingly. And as for you, you pay no heed to this. No matter how much you pray, how much you do, you will never be able to compensate for the trouble I have taken for you...” The discourse of theVirgin in tears went on for some time. She gave a secret to Maximin; and then, addressing Melanie alone, She revealed to her a long message “which will not Magnificat Vol. LVI, No 5 119
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