Nuestra Senora del Pilar (I)

The tradition of Our Lady of the Pillar, Zaragoza, Spain dates back to 40 A.D. Saint James the Apostle journeyed to Spain to spread the Gospel and was already there in the year 40 A.D. when he paused to pray beside the River Ebro with seven of his disciples. Our Lady, who was still living in Jerusalem, was at the same time praying for the success of his missionary endeavors when she appeared to St James. He and his disciples all shared in the beautiful vision that was accompanied by celestial music and a radiant light. After words of encouragement and a request for a chapel, the Blessed Mother gave him the small jasper column on which she stood as evidence of her apparition. Supported by the vision and the tangible evidence of its authenticity, St James spread the Faith throughout Spain which is now under his patronage. After his martyrdom, he was buried at Santiago de Compostela, where his shrine attracted far more pilgrimages than did those of the other Apostles.