In Montenegro, Mary protects fishermen and sailors

Off the coast of Perast in Bay of Kotor, Montenegro is a tiny artificial island created by a bulwark of rocks and by the occasional sinking of old and seized ships loaded with rocks.

This small island, Our Lady of the Rocks, has a fascinating history. In the 15th century, two local fishermen found an icon of the Madonna and Child stuck to a rock in the sea. Surprised by this discovery, they decided to bring it home. To their surprise their third brother, who was seriously ill, began to recover. Attributing this miracle to the intercession of the Virgin Mary, they made an oath to lay a rock in the bay, and to one day build a church on the site. Over time, the island gradually emerged from the sea.

"They first had to build an island," explains Montenegrin guide Slavena Asanovic, "by throwing large rocks in the sea for more than two centuries. The church and the island of the same name were completed and opened to pilgrims in 1630." He adds: "The Virgin Mary is a very important saint for Montenegrin Catholics and Orthodox. She protects sailors, fishermen and navigators."

Today, the original icon is in an unknown location, but the church has a replica made by a Montenegrin artist, set above the main altar.

Geo