“…Allow yourself to be embraced by My most ardent desire that all souls will come and purify themselves in the water of penance, and that the feeling of confidence and not fear may penetrate them, because I am a God of Mercy and I am always ready to receive them in My Heart. When you do what I ask of you, I am near you…”

Our Lady never abandons her children, and the most unlikely places have been chosen by her to display the wonders she can perform for those who are devoted to her. The instrument she used for her conquest was Bartolo Longo (1841–1926), who would at first appear to be a most unlikely choice…. Bartolo arranged for the building of a magnificent church. While it was being built, three people were healed by outstanding miracles.

Oh great Saint Peregrine,
you who have been called “The Mighty”
and “The Wonder-Worker”
because of the numerous miracles
which you have obtained from God
for those who have had recourse to you. (…)

O Holy Virgin,
to whose feet we are led by our anxious uncertainty
in our search for and attainment of what is true and good,
invoking you by the sweet title of Mother of Good Counsel,
we beseech you to come to our assistance,
when, along the road of this life,
the darkness of error
and of evil conspires towards our ruin
by leading our minds and our hearts astray. (…)

Hail Mary, beloved Daughter of the Eternal Father! Hail Mary, admirable Mother of the Son! Hail Mary, faithful spouse of the Holy Ghost! Hail Mary, my dear Mother, my loving Mistress, my powerful sovereign! Hail my joy, my glory, my heart and my soul! Thou art all mine by mercy, and I am all thine by justice. (…)

O glorious St Mark, through the grace of God our Father, you became a great Evangelist, preaching the Good News of Christ. May you help us to know Him well so that we may faithfully live our lives as followers of Christ. (…)