The Virgin Mary Protectress of New Orleans

Our Lady of Prompt Succor is the patron saint of the city of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana, in the United States. Her feast day is on January 8th, and her church is a national shrine.

Among the graces obtained through her intercession is her protection from fires that have often threatened to ravage the city. On one such day, the Mother Superior of the Ursuline Convent had ordered everyone to evacuate the building. Before leaving, one of the Sisters placed a small statue of the Madonna and Child on a windowsill facing the approaching fire, saying this prayer: "Our Lady, unless you hasten to save us, we are lost!” Then she followed the others towards safety. Within minutes, the wind turned and the fire lost momentum, leaving the rest of the city untouched by the flames.

Another famous intervention of Our Lady of Prompt Succor happened during the Battle of New Orleans on January 8, 1815. The night before, the mighty British army had attacked the poorly defended city. Many citizens joined the Ursuline Sisters of the convent for a vigil of prayer in their chapel, imploring Our Lady of Prompt Succor. The Mother Superior promised an annual sung Mass of thanksgiving to Our Lady if the defenders of the city were victorious.

At day break, a Mass was offered to that very intention. At Communion time, a messenger rushed into the chapel, announcing that the attackers were fleeing. The Mass ended with the song of the Te Deum.

Official website: Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor