Pray for Columbia!

On Friday, a terrible mudslide affected the people of Columbia. Torrential rains caused three rivers surrounding the southern Colombian city of Mocoa to overflow -- sending a torrent of mud and debris surging through the city. 254 or more are reported dead and thousands are missing. It is a race against time for the rescuers searching for those trapped in the mud. The people of Columbia need our help and our prayers.

Let us pray to the patroness of Columbia, Our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquirá.

In mid 16th century, the Spanish painter Alonso de Narvaez created a portrait of the Virgin of the Rosary. This portrait was brought to Columbia and sent to a rustic chapel. At the chapel, water leaked and the picture ruined by the sun and humidity, faded. The image was damaged terribly and sent to Chiquinquirá, Colombia, where it was stored in an unused room. However, Maria Ramos, a pious woman from Seville, cleaned up the little chapel and hung the faded canvas in it. Though the image was in terrible shape, she loved to sit and contemplate it. On Friday 26 December 1586 the faded, damaged image was suddenly restored. Its colors were bright, the canvas cleaner, the image clear and seemingly brand new. The healing of the image continued as small holes and tears in the canvas self-sealed. The image has survived the zeal of millions of pilgrims touching the fragile cloth and her sanctuary is now a basilica. 

Prayer to Our Lady of Chiquinquirá

That the Lord in His Divine Mercy – through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary – may build up His Kingdom, make these mysteries a reality in our lives, strengthen us in our common mission, and come to the aid of those for whom we pray. Amen. 

Our Lady of Chiquinquirá, Pray for Us!

Ta, Ta for Now!