This morning, this author drove to St. John Vianney Church in Kailua for morning Mass. That parish celebrates three Sacraments every First Saturday: Eucharist, Anointing of the Sick, and Reconciliation so talk about graces in abundance ... and yet, today, there was something extra - escarchas.
It’s been a long while since I last witnessed them manifesting so the escarchas went a long way towards making my observance of Epiphany Day special and meaningful. Here's a brief recap of how it happened ...
I brought with me to the church a Marian icon (shown above) that I hand-burnt, stained, and painted on a wooden plaque in August 2023, and which I titled "Mary, Immaculate Spouse of the Holy Spirit". I intended to get it blessed by the priest.
After I sat down in my usual spot, I laid the icon beside me on the pew, and turned away for a bit. When I looked back at it, there they were - fine flakes of golden escarchas, sprinkled all around the icon. Here are photos and a short video I filmed that shows just some of the escarchas on the pew ...
I'm pretty certain they're not craft-glitter for the simple reason that they weren't there a few moments earlier. Given how much there was, I would've noticed them right away. So I do believe it's an actual appearance of escarchas.
As to the reason why it happened, that I'm not sure. Perhaps it's a special blessing for the Solemnity of the Epiphany ... or maybe the Lord is kindly acknowledging the work that went into it (it took me about 9 hours to write this icon) ... or perhaps God and/or Mary are pleased with how Our Lady is depicted ... or they could also be affirming the beautiful Marian title - Spouse of the Holy Spirit. Again, it's a mystery to me but I'm just very grateful to the Holy Spirit and our Blessed Mother for this blessing.
Whatever the reason for the escarchas, I pray Heaven will use this unique image to inspire and bless many souls, particularly to a deeper devotion to the Holy Spirit!
O Mary, Immaculate Spouse
of the Holy Spirit, pray for us!
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