This name is dearer to me than all others

For 13 months, Fortuna Agrelli, the daughter of Commander Agrelli from Naples, had been suffering from dreadful cramps, vomiting and other symptoms.

On February 16, 1884, she began saying Rosary novenas, and on March 3, 1884, the Virgin Mary appeared to her under the name of Our Lady of Pompeii. She was sitting on a throne, with the baby Jesus on her lap and holding a rosary. She was accompanied by St Catherine of Siena and St Dominic.

The Virgin told Fortuna: "You have invoked Me by various titles and have always obtained favors from Me. Now, since you have called Me by that title so pleasing to Me, ‘Queen of the Holy Rosary,’ I can no longer refuse the favor you petition; for this name is most precious and dear to Me. Make three novenas, and you shall obtain all."

A month later, during a second apparition, Fortuna heard these words: "Whoever wishes to ask me for graces, let him say three novenas of reciting the Rosary, and three more novenas in thanksgiving for the graces received."

The following May 8, Fortuna declared herself cured. Her recovery made an impression on Pope Leo XIII who officially encouraged this devotion.

Padre Pio would often recite this novena, and recommended it to all who were asking for graces. "This is my testament and my legacy: love and make the Blessed Virgin loved; pray and ask others to pray the Rosary."

Patrizia Cattaneo

Journalist and writer