Our Lady and the Burning Bush

According to tradition, the discovery of a statue of the Virgin Mary took place on the eve of the Feast of the Annunciation in the year 1400. Some shepherds were attracted by a light shining in the thorn bushes. When they approached, they found a stone polychrome statue of the Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus in the midst of the flames.

In 1406, on the very same site of the miracle, construction of a church was begun for the enshrinement of the miraculous statue. Since the church was built so rapidly--in a little over 24 years--a charming local legend claims that angels continued the work at night after the laborers had gone home.

The church was elevated to a minor basilica and the beautiful shrine is a worthy place to venerate the Blessed Virgin, where Christian souls can adore the Son of God.