My "Auntie Z" has a strong and tender devotion to the Virgin Mary. She recently contacted me to ask for help in planning a special celebration to honor Our Lady for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception ... and since the Rosa Mystica is closely connected to this premier Marian Feast, through the "Hour of Grace", it was agreed upon that this ministry's Rosa Mystica pilgrim statue had to be included.
Praying the Rosary, the Litany of Loreto,
and the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
The end result was a most memorable afternoon, well-attended by family and several of my Auntie Z's co-members from the Sodality of Mary.
The gathering, itself, turned out to be a seamless blend of meaningful PRAYER, joyful FELLOWSHIP, and delicious FOOD as seen in the posted photos.
... and, at the end of the event, we were unexpectedly treated to an extraordinary grace - the appearance of escarchas! (I haven't seen them for a while).
The escarchas - in the form of fine, golden flakes - were manifested on my aunt's forehead and no where else ... and there was no mistaking it for ordinary craft glitter, either. We watched in amazement as the first sparkles spotted began multiplying out of nowhere before our very eyes; spreading across our host's brow then onto her hair and even into her scalp! We interpreted the manifestation as a sign of Our Lady's spiritual presence with us, as well as, her gratitude to Auntie Z for having opened her home for the prayer meeting.
Some of the gold escarchas that appeared
on our host's forehead.
The escarchas immediately prompted questions from those who weren't familiar with them, which I then explained; attributing the grace to the intercession of our Heavenly Mother and as a spiritual grace often associated with the Church-approved Rosa Mystica apparitions, represented by the statue. After all, the Virgin Mary did say to the seeress - Pierina Gilli - that wherever her Rosa Mystica statues are venerated she will be present with angels ... and today she kept her word, and affirmed our devotion to her.
Judging by how the people excitedly crowded around the statue, after, with reverence and affection, I do believe most went home very impressed by all that transpired. In fact, another prayer gathering was asked for - for March 2025 - to honor Our Lady's Feast of the Annunciation ... and, of course, the Rosa Mystica statue is again invited.
O Mary, the Mystical Rose,
Immaculate Mother of the Church,
pray for us!