Shrines where Mary's presence shines forth

The places where Mary comes to meet us are a special demonstration of her motherhood to men, as are the houses where she is honored, and where one feels a particular presence of the Mother. These places and houses are very numerous. They range from the simplest oratories in privates homes or along roads enshrining beautiful images of the Mother of God shines, to chapels and churches built in her honor.

There are, however, some places where people feel the presence of their Mother in a particularly strong way. Sometimes these places have an international influence...Such are the Marian shrines.

In them, the words of the liturgy ring true: "You are the great honor of our race" (Judith 15:9), and: "When our people were being oppressed, you averted our disaster, walking in the straight path before our God.” (Judith 13:20).

Pope Saint John Paul II. Homily at Fatima, May 13, 1982

Library of Marian Writings