Our Lady of Beauraing: "Pray Always."

Today, December 31, marks the anniversary of the appearance of Our Blessed Mother to five children in Beauraing, Belgium in 1932. Our Lady of Beauraing, also known as the “Virgin of the Golden Heart,” had appeared to Fernande, Gilberte, and Albert Voisins and Andree and Gilberte Degeimbres the over the previous weeks, beginning on November 29. On that day, the children saw a “beautiful lady” walking through the air above a railroad bridge. Dressed in a flowing white gown, the lady emanated a radiant glow, and smiled at them as she approached. She was observed to be praying, never spoke, and simply gazed upon them with beautiful blue eyes.

Following the initial apparition, Our Blessed Mother continued to appear to the children (on December 2, December 8, December 21, December 23, December 28, and December 30), confirming her identity as the Immaculate Virgin, and requesting that a chapel be built. She further implored them to “Always be good.” On the previous evening, December 30, the Virgin of the Golden Heart had instructed the children, “Pray. Pray very much.”

Today, on the last day of 1932, Our Blessed Mother again appeared to the children as they were praying the Rosary in the convent garden. Alighting on the hawthorn tree, she smiled gently at them. The children, having been told that the apparitions were drawing to a close, were filled with peace and joy, and were especially grateful to be in the presence of her Immaculate Heart. Whereas only Fernande had been graced with a vision of Mary’s radiant, golden heart on the previous occasions, at this point, all five children witnessed its golden glow.

When the children were done praying, Mary spoke. She implored, “Pray always,” before leaving them. Our Blessed Mother graced us with her golden heart, encouraging us to sacrifice ourselves for the Lord, and for the salvation of the world. We pray today, in the words of Our Mother, to find the strength and virtue “to be good” in the eyes of the Lord.

Our Lady of Beauraing, Immaculate Virgin, bring to Jesus, your Son, all the intentions that we entrust to you today. Mother of the Golden Heart, reflection of the Father's tenderness, look upon the men and women of our time with love and fill them with the joy of your presence. You, who promised to convert sinners, help us discover the infinite mercy of our God. Awaken within us the grace of conversion so that our lives may be a reflection of that mercy. Make every moment of our existence "a yes" to the question you ask today: "Do you love my Son? Do you love me?" Then the kingdom of Jesus will come to the world. Amen.



Day 365 of 365
Prayer Intentions: Lives of Prayer; Penance for Sinners; Repentance and redemption in the new year.
Requested Intentions: Successful completion of nursing exam (M); For a daughter in an abusive relationships (J); For the consecration of a granddaughter to Our Blessed Mother (A); For a successful marriage (S); Restoration of a teaching job (L); Health and spirituality of family members (R); For a return to health for a friend (C); Healing from cancer of a brother-in-law (C); Healthy relationship; Joy in everyday life (J); Successful employment and financial assistance for education (M); For the return home of father and husband suffering from mental illness (C); Successful passing of examination; Employment for Son (J); Healing of a family and son (S); Successful marriage (G); End to husband’s addictions; Son’s employment (M); Freedom from financial burdens (M); Healing after a miscarriage (E); For healing of friend; successful resolution of legal matter (A); Complete healing of a friend with pancreatic cancer (J); Healing of a father following stroke (S).