Mary Comes to Her People (II)

The final preparations took all night, but by morning they were ready to go. It is September 8, the date traditionally recognized as Mary’s birthday. The town is decorated in Mary’s colors; the Pilgrim Virgins take place in the processions, and the atmosphere is electric. Singing hymns and prayers the people accompany these images of Mary to the Cathedral. Astonishing photos of different Marys, and crowds of admirers, adorn the steep hill leading to the Cathedral. The event is covered on TV, radio and print media all over France. During Holy Mass at the Cathedral, the 108 statues and icons are blessed. More than 4000 people crowd into the Cathedral for the final farewell. From that day on, the pilgrimage was launched. Late in the night, the responsible for each of these 108 "Maman Mobiles" left town with a Pilgrim Virgin, going off in different directions. For the next two years, these Pilgrim Virgins went to and fro, from town to town, all over France where prayer vigils were held in parish churches and private homes. Parish priests or families would organize prayer vigils and welcome Mary into their churches or homes for a few days of intense prayer. Then, the "Maman Mobile" would take her on to the next town or village. Many people discovered or rediscovered their love for Mary during these gatherings and began to pray the rosary.