A story for every day...
The chapel of the Rosary, a safe haven in stormy weather.
Blessed Juan Massias had the most tender devotion to Mary, and the Blessed Virgin was pleased to shower him with Her benefits; here, among many others, is a rather remarkable proof. The Servant of God had the pious habit of spending part of his nights in the chapel of the Rosary praying before the altar of Our Lady; several times he was even caught there raised above the ground and rapt in ecstasy. One night, while he was praying, the city experienced a terrible earthquake. All the distraught religious took refuge in the cloister, where it was assumed the danger was less great. The Blessed did as the others had, and was already leaving the chapel, when Mary called him from the altar:
“Brother John, She said to him, Brother John, where are you going?
– Madam, replied the Blessed, I am fleeing, like the others, from the rigors of Your divine Son.
– Come back, said Our Lady, don’t be afraid, I am here.” The servant of God resumed his prayer, begging our good Mother to appease the anger of Our Lord. As he raised his eyes to Her, he saw Her face shining with such a bright light that the whole chapel was illuminated. At that very moment the earthquake stopped. Since then, when this plague came upon Lima, the Religious and many other people took refuge in this chapel, where they always found a safe haven against the efforts and rage of the demons unleashed in these storms.
(Fr. Ribadeneira, Lives of the Saints, 1855)
