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Chronological Table of Marian Events

• All About Mary

– Compiled By: Sister Isabell Naumann and Richard Lenar  

1st Century  |  2nd Century  |  3rd Century  |  4th Century  |  5th Century  

6th Century  |  7th Century  |  8th Century  |  9th Century  |  10th Century  

11th Century  |  12th Century  |  13th Century  |  14th Century  |  15th Century   

16th Century  |  17th Century  |  18th Century  |  19th Century  |  20th Century  

21st Century  |  References

1st Century

40   January 2nd—Apparition of Mary to Apostle James the Greater in Zaragoza, Spain. She appears on a pillar.  All About Mary: Our Lady of Pilar

54-57   First allusion to Mary in Paul’s  Letter to the Galatians  (4:4)

60-70   Mary mentioned twice in  Mark’s Gospel

75-106   Matthew and Luke's Gospels [first and second chapters] ,  Luke Acts (1:14) and  John’s Gospel  (2:3-12; 6:42; 19:25-27) show Mary’s presence in the life of Jesus and the early Christian Community

90-100   Mary and the Church are both symbolized in the image of the woman in the  Book of Revelation  (chapter 12)

2nd Century

100-200   Inscription under St. Peter's Basilica in Rome depicts Mary as Protectrix for the departed and their Advocate.

110-115   In his letters, Ignatius of Antioch makes five references to Mary as Virgin and Mother. (To the Ephesians: 7.2, PG 5, c 757; 18.2, PG 5, c 752; 19.1, PG 5, c 753; Trallians 9.1-2, PG 5, c 788-89; Smyrnaeans 1.1, PG 5, c 840-41)

120   Odes of Solomon  mentions the Virgin who gives birth (Ode XIX).

145  Aristides of Athens cites Mary in a creedal formula ( Apology 2, 4 ).  http://earlychristianwritings.com/text/aristides-kay.html  

150-165   Justin Martyr in the  Dialogue with Trypho  (PG 6, c 709-12 100) brings the comparison between Eve and Mary (Eve-Mary Parallel). "For Eve, who was a virgin and undefiled, having conceived the word of the serpent, brought forth disobedience and death. But the Virgin Mary received faith and joy, when the angel Gabriel announced the good tidings to her that the Spirit of the Lord would come upon her, and the power of the Highest would overshadow her: wherefore also the Holy Thing begotten of her is the Son of God; and she replied, 'Be it unto me according to your word.' (Luke 1:38) And by her has He been born, to whom we have proved so many Scriptures refer, and by whom God destroys both the serpent and those angels and men who are like him; but works deliverance from death to those who repent of their wickedness and believe upon Him." ( http://newadvent.org/fathers/01287.htm )

150-155   Composition of the  Protoevangelium of James  (also known as the “Gospel of Mary”). This Christian apocryphal text contains details about devotion to, Mary and is the source of the names of Mary’s parents and traditions regarding her childhood and early life. 

150-200   Inscription of Abercius, Bishop of Hieropolis, alludes to Mary's virginity, holiness, and relationship to the Holy Eucharist. http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/abercius.html                             

150-202   Irenaeus of Lyons points to Mary’s role in the economy of salvation. Mary is  causa salutis  (Adv. haer. 3, 22; PG 7, c 959-60) and advocata Evae (Adv. haer. 3, 22; PG 7, c 1175 76)  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08130b.htm

155-202   Tertullian affirmed that Mary conceived Christ as a Virgin ( De carne Christi 21, 5; PL 2, c 833-34) and stressed the Eve-Mary parallel ( De carne Christi 17, 5; PL 2, c 828). 

162   The  Sibylline Oracles  speak admiringly of Mary (VIII, 609-28).  http://www.sacred-texts.com/cla/sib/

Late 2nd Century   Early representations of Mary in the catacombs 

Late 2nd Century   Clement of Alexandria calls Mary the Mother of the Lord ( Stromata 6, 15; PG 9, c 349) and is a witness to the Church's faith in Mary's perpetual virginity ( Stromata 7, 16; PG 9, c 529-30).  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04045a.htm

3rd Century 

200  The North African Church Father, Tertullian, affirms that proper belief about Mary is necessary to affirm the humanity of Christ. ( De carne Christi 20, 1; c 830-31)

200-250  Origen is probably the first Church Father to explain the meaning of the title  Theotokos  ( History of the Church 7, 32; PG 67, c 812) and defends the  perpetual virginity of Mary  ( Commentary on John 1, 4; PG 14, c 32; Homilies on Luke 6, 3-4; PG 13, 1814-15).  All About Mary: Dogmas, Marian ; Theotokos, Meaning of  

200-350   Composition of the prayer Sub tuum praesidium –the oldest Marian prayer. All About Mary: Sub Tuum Praisidium Prayer

220   Founding of Santa Maria in Trastevere, Rome by Pope Callixtus I (217-222) 

235   Death of Hippolytus of Rome, who alluded to the Blessed Virgin Mary, mainly in the context of the Incarnation ( Christ and Antichrist 4; PG 10 c 732).  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07360c.htm

250   St. Cyprian of Carthage indirectly extols Mary's virginity (Is. 7:14; Gen. 3:15) (CSEL 3:1, 73f)

4th Century

306-373   Ephrem the Syrian known for his poetic writings about Mary; implores Mary’s power of mediation ( Oratio ad Deiparam ; EnchMar 341) http://catholicism.about.com/od/tothevirginmary/qt/Praise_BVM.htm

318-322   Emperor Constantine publicly honors Mary through the  construction of a basilica on Vatican Hill whose façade includes a mosaic exalting Mary, Jesus and Peter. http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04295c.htm  

325-403   Epiphanius of Salamis is the first known writer who interprets the Woman of the Apocalypse (Revelation Chapter 12) as Mary (PG 42, c 716), and he is also the first to consider the question of the end of Mary’s earthly existence (PG 41, c 777); He refutes Marian heresies (PG 42, c 700-56).  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13393b.htm ;  All About Mary: Revelation, Mary in the Book of ;  All About Mary: Death of Mary

328-373  Athanasius’ term as bishop of Alexandria, when he bestowed upon Mary the title:  Theotokos,  and pointed out that Mary’s virginal conception of Jesus is proof of Jesus’ divinity (PG 25, c 109). http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02035a.htm

330-379   St. Basil of Caesarea refers to Mary’s womb as a ‘workshop’ ( In Sanctam Christi Generationem ; PG 31, c 1464 A) and affirmed her marriage to Joseph ( In Sanctam Christi Generationem ; PG 31, c 1464 A-C.)  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02330b.htm

330-389   St. Gregory Nazianzen held that Mary’s divine motherhood is key to the Church’s doctrine about the Incarnate Word and mystery of human salvation ( Sectio II. Poemata Quae Spectant Ad Alios ; PG 37, c 1565 D-1566 A).  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07010b.htm

339-397   Ambrose of Milan speaks of Mary as type of the Church: Expositio in Lucam 2, 7: PL 15, c 1555), 410.  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01383c.htm

342-419   St. Jerome, in  On the Perpetual Virginity of Mary against Helvidius , defends the Perpetual Virginity of Mary using scripture, affirms her great holiness and develops Marian typology in the Old Testament ( De perpetua virginitate Mariae adversus Helvidium : PL 23 c 183-206).  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08341a.htm ;  All About Mary:Dogmas, Marian

344-407   St. John Chrysostom emphasizes transcendence of the mystery of the Son of God the Father by becoming incarnate in the womb of Mary ( In Matthaeum, Homilia 4, 3: PG 57 c 43).  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08452b.htm

348-387   St. Cyril of Jerusalem, during his term as bishop, wrote that Mary re-established women’s equality with men ( Catechesis 12, 29; PG 33, c 761 B-C); he inaugurates the Byzantine homiletic technique of teaching Marian truths by means of praises addressed to the Blessed Virgin.  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04592b.htm

350   Early recorded invocation of Mary by St. Justina (Gregory Nazianzen Oratio 24; PG 35, c 1181).

350-390   St. Gregory of Nyssa composes and distributes a Marian prayer that is a precursor of the Hail Mary; also chronicles first recorded Marian apparition to St. Gregory the Wonderworker (PG 46, c 912).  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07016a.htm

350-400  Bishop Severian of Gabala officially and publicly solicits prayers to Mary ( Oratio 6, 10 In Mundi Creatione ; PG 56, c 497).

352  Legend of Our Lady of the Snows during the pontificate of Liberius (352-366).  All About Mary: Our Lady of the Snows

352-366  Founding of Saint Mary Major under Pope Liberius I

368   Death of St. Hilary of Poitiers, who extolled human-divine motherhood and perpetual virginity of Mary; associates Mary with Christ in the messianic prophecies ( In Matthaeum 1, 2-4; PL 9, c 920-922).  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07349b.htm

370   Earliest liturgy of Mary composed in Syria; St. Ambrose of Milan speaks of Mary as a model of women and virginal life ( De virginibus 2, 6-16; PL, 220-22) and a type of the Church ( Expositio in Lucam 2, 7; PL 15, c 1635-1636).  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01383c.htm

380-450   Life of St. Peter Chrysologus, who defended Mary’s virginity ( Sermo 143, 7; PL 52, 584; Sermo 117, 3; PL 52, 521), spoke of Joseph’s unique role ( Sermo 145, 1; PL 52, 588-89), and wrote homilies about the Annunciation, Incarnation and Christmas.  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11762c.htm

392   Pope St. Siricius, in a letter to Bishop Anysius, defends the perpetual virginity of Mary (Letter 9 to Anysius against Bonosus 3-4; PL 13 c 1177-1178). All About Mary: Marian Teachings, Pre-Early Modern Period

394   Augustine of Hippo speaks of Mary as most excellent member and type of the Church ( De Verbis Evangelli Matth , Sermo 25, 7; PL 46, c 938); proclaims Mary free from original sin ( De natura et gratia 36, 42; PL 44, 267) and exalts her status as Virgin and Mother ( De sancta virginitate 6, PL 40 c 399) 

394   Death of Gregory of Nyssa, who insisted on the reality of Mary’s motherhood ( Against Apollinaris 6, PG 45, c 1136 C-D) and drew an analogy between Moses seeing the burning bush without being consumed and Mary’s virginity (On the Birth of Christ, PG 46, c1133 D-1136 B)

5th Century  

400    Santa Maria Antiqua  Church founded in Rome in the Forum.  The church contains the earliest Roman depiction of Santa Maria Regina.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Maria_Antiqua

400   Earliest copy of the  Transitus  of Mary is written. 

Early   5th Century   Church of Mary in Ephesus is probably one of the earliest local Marian churches.  http://www.ephesus.us/ephesus/the_double_churches.htm

400-500   Temple of Isis at Soissons, France dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, 400-500   Feast of the Annunciation celebrated in Byzantium, 400-500   Introduction of the Feast of the Commemoration of the Virgin Mary throughout Europe 400-500   Feast of the Hypapante (encounter between Christ and Simeon) celebrated.

431   Council of Ephesus proclaims Mary as  Theotokos  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05491a.htm   All About Mary: Theotokos, Meaning of

432   Dedication of the enlarged and restored Church of Saint Mary Major/Rome by Pope Sixtus III

440-461   Introduction of Marian reference in the Eucharistic prayer of the Leonine Sacramentary, ("In communion with and venerating in the first place the glorious ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of God. ...")

440-461   Pontificate of Pope Leo the Great, who applied Old Testament text to Mary ( Sermo 22, 1; PL 54, 194; Sermo 24, 1; PL 54, 204) and develops concept of Mary as a type of the Church  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09154b.htm

ca. 445    Icons attributed to St. Luke, eventually known as the Hodegetria, begin to appear  All About Mary: Contemporary Spirituality  (see full text, page 50 of pdf "D. A 'Triplex Via Mariana'")

ca. 446    Death of Theodotus of Ancyra, who proposed that Mary’s marriage to St. Joseph protected Mary’s virginity ( In Die Nativitatis Domini, Homily 5, 3; PG 77, c 1414 B) http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14579a.htm

451   Pope Leo the Great in his  Tomus ad Flavianum  uses the reality of Mary’s motherhood of Christ to guarantee the authenticity of Christ’s human nature and to distinguish the two natures of Christ. (Epistola 28; PL 54 c 755-782) http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09154b.htm  

451   Empress Pulcheria of Byzantium begins a collection of relics of Mary

473   Preservation of Mary’s holy head dress, the  Maforion,   in the Church of the Blachernae (Byzantine and Armenian rites) celebrated as a feast.  http://forosdelavirgen.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/maphorion.jpg   http://www.byzantium1200.com/blachernae.html

6th Century

500-600   Parthenon (temple of Athena) in Athens dedicated to Mary

500-600   Dedication of Saint Mary Antiqua in Rome

500-600   Tradition of Mary with Child Jesus established in iconography.  All About Mary: Icons

520-556   Syrian poet St. Romanos the Melodist composes our greatly used Marian hymns  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13154a.htm

530-600   Life of Venantius Fortunatus, through song, elevates Mary about all great women of the Old Testament ( Carmina miscellanea 2, 2; PL 88, 88) http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06149a.htm

534   Pope John II, in his letter to the Senate of Constantinople, declares that Mary is “truly the Mother of God”  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08421b.htm

538-594   Life of Gregory of Tours, who collected written accounts of miracles associated with Mary’s intercession ( Libri Miraculorum PL 71) and wrote about the mystery of Mary’s Assumption into heaven ( Libri Miraculorum 1, De Gloria beatorum martyrum 4; PL 71, c 708)  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07018b.htm

540-604   Life of St. Gregory the Great, who identifies Mary with Isaiah 2:2 ( In I Regnum 1 , 5; PL 79, c 25), affirmed her superiority above all men and angels ( Moralia 33, 8; PL 76, c 671)and spoke of a Marian apparition as a fact ( Dialogi 4, 18; PL 77, c 348-49) http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06780a.htm

543   Dedication of church to Saint Mary in Jerusalem

550   Celebration of the Feasts of the Birth of Mary, the Presentation of Jesus, and the Dormition in Byzantium

550   Greek philosopher Oecumenius gives first completely Marian interpretation of Revelation 12

550-600   Theoteknos, Bishop of Livias, gives earliest affirmation of belief in the bodily assumption of Mary ( Encomium 9; see Wenger 276)

553   Second Council of Constantinople reiterates dogma of Mary’s Divine Motherhood and mentions Mary’s perpetual virginity (Can. 6; DS 218) http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04308b.htm

590-604  Pope Gregory the Great writes about important aspects of Marian devotion and describes theological principles which make Marian devotion legitimate. (Epist 9, 52; PL 77, 990-91)

7th Century

600    Introduction of the Akathistos Hymn in the East. The Akathist par excellance was written in the sixth century to the Theotokos. In its use as part of the service of the Salutations to the Theotokos (used in the Byzantine tradition during Great Lent), it is often known by its Greek or Arabic names, Chairetismoi (Rejoicings) and Madayeh, respectively. In the Slavic tradition it is known as Akafist.

600-636   St. Isidore of Seville writes knowingly about Mary and calls her “sanctuary of the Holy Spirit” ( De ortu et obitu Patrum III ; PL 83, c 148 C) http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08186a.htm

610   Byzantine Emperor Heraclitus places the image of Mary on the masts of the ships of his fleet

649   Council of the Lateran declares the perpetual virginity of Mary (Can. 3; DS 256)

ca. 650  Mary is mentioned in the Quran. (Surah 3, ayah 47 supports Mary's virginity. See also surah 66, ayah 12; it dedicates a surah 19 to Mary under the name Maryam)

650   Celebration of the  Annunciation  (March 25) and the  Assumption  (August 15) in Rome

650    Celebration of the Feast of the  Purification  (February 2)

675-700   Celebration of the Feast of the Birth of Mary

680-681   The Third Council of Constantinople reaffirms Mary's Divine Motherhood (DS 290)

8th Century

700-800   Possible composition of the  Ave Maris Stella .  All About Mary: Star of the Sea   http://www.preces-latinae.org/thesaurus/BVM/AveMarisStella.html

700-733   St. Germanus I of Constantinople proposes that we do "not need any other mediator in God's presence" ( Homily on the Cincture ,   PG 98, c 380 B)  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06484a.htm

700-740   St. Andrew of Crete invokes Mary as “Help of Christians”  ( Homily 4 on Mary's Nativity , PG 97, c 880 C) http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01473b.htm   All About Mary: Help of Christians

700-749   St. John Damascene gives clearest teaching on the Immaculate Conception up to his day Homily on the Nativity  2; PG 96, c 664 A). He produces a synthesis of Marian teaching for the Eastern Church (Treatise on the Orthodox Faith); these writings are the basis for later Marian theological work during the Middle Ages.  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08459b.htm   http://www.catholictradition.org/Mary/mary19-2.htm

705-707   Pope John VII earns the title “Servant of the Mother of God”  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08423b.htm

750    The Legend of Theophilus  is translated into Latin. Theophilus was an archdeacon in Cilicia who sold his soul to the Devil. He repented and asked Our Lady to rescue him from his pact. http://traditioninaction.org/religious/h007rp.Theophilus.html

787   The Second Council of Nicaea defines regulations for the veneration rendered to images of Mary (DS 302) http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11045a.htm

9th Century

800   Originally part of the Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew; the Gospel of Mary’s Nativity makes its appearance as independent work.

800-900   Feast of the Conception of St. Ann was instituted at Byzantium

ca. 802   Alcuin composes Masses in honour of Our Lady on Saturday and for other weekdays, which become part of the Missal in 875.  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01276a.htm

804    The Marian cathedral (Marienmünster) in Aachen, built by Charlemagne, is dedicated by Pope Leo III.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marienm%C3%BCnster

845-869    St. Paschasius Radbert upholds the Virgin Birth (De partu Virginis  1; PL 120, c 1373 D-1374 A; see also Ibid., 2; PL 129, c 1385 A) , the Assumption of Mary’s soul (Cogitis me; PL 30, c 123) , and a form of Mary’s Immaculate Conception ( De partu Virginis  1, PL 120 1372 A) http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11518a.htm

ca. 851    The  Story of the Birth of Mary  is composed and is attributed to St. Paschasius Radbert

867-870   Dedication of the Saturdays to Mary (see Missale Romanum)

867-870   Fourth Council of Constantinople renews approval of the “cult images rendered to Mary” (DS 337)

876   Charles the Bold obtains what is believed to be the dress of Mary

10th Century

c. 900    The Protecting Veil, apparition of Mary in Constantinople.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Protection_of_the_Mother_of_God

900-1000    Gregory V (996-998) composes the antiphon, Regina Coeli.  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06790a.htm ;  All About Mary: Antiphons

900-1000    Introduction of The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary by the  Bishop Ulrich of Augsburg in the  Cathedral of Verdun

900-1000    Translation of the Transitus Mariae' stories from Greek into Latin.

900-1000    The Liber Transitus Mariae originated in the 4th-5th centuries contains a legend about Mary's death and assumption to heaven.

945   Title “Mother of Mercy” spreads throughout the West after being mentioned in the  Life of Odo  by John of Salerno

963   St. Athanasius the Athonite establishes a monastery dedicated to the Mother of God on Mt. Athos peninsula in Greece; icon of Our Lady of Iveron transported to Mt. Athos monastery

975   Dedication of the Saturdays to Mary

975   Foundation Montserrat Abbey in Spain, which becomes a shrine with a Black Madonna  http://www.abadiamontserrat.net/(S(q2tjoafdksfn2rkfkkk2tlkr))/Espiritualitat/Angles/monestir.aspx?newsid=10

988   According to one account, the Icon known as Our Lady of Czestochowa was brought from Constantinople to Kiev

https://catholicsouthernfront.wordpress.com/chapter-943-russian-icons/

11th Century

1000-1100    Introduction of Feast of Mary's Compassion,

1000-1100    Composition of  Hail Holy Queen ,

1000-1100    Start of the building of Notre Dame Cathedral in Chartres/France  http://www.notredamedeparis.fr/-English-

ca. 1028    St. Anthony of Kiev establishes a monastery dedicated to Mary’s Assumption

1050-1150    Composition of the antiphons, Alma Redemptoris Mater and Salve Regina  attributed to Hermann the Lame  All About Mary: Antiphons

1050-1150    Building of the church of Our Lady of Walsingham/ England  http://www.marypages.com/Walsingham.htm

1050-1072    St. Peter Damian establishes a connection between Mary and the Eucharist ( Sermo  45; PL 144, 743 C) and also promotes the Little Office

1050-1093    Composition of three famous Marian prayers by St. Anselm of Canterbury ( Oratio  50,  Oratio  51,  Oratio  52; PL 158, 948-959)

1080-1124    Eadmer of Canterbury composes  The Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Tractatus de conceptio sactae Mariae;  PL 159, c 301-318.  See Gambero 118 footnote 2), which at the time, was the best exposition of the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception

12th Century

1100    Flourishing of devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, especially by St. Anselm, Eadmer, St. Bernard, and Hugh of St. Victor, among others

ca. 1100    Berengaud, bishop of Treves,  is the first writer to use the title, Mother of the Church (Mater Ecclesiae)  All About Mary: Mother of the Church

1100-1200    Early versions of the  Litany of the Virgin Mary;  the first part of the  Hail Mary,  and the Rosary  All About Mary: Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary   http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07110b.htm   All About Mary: Rosary Origins

1100-1200    Spread of the  Life of Mary  to the West

1100-1135    Rupert of Deutz gives Marian interpretation of the  Song of Songs  ( In Canticum Canticorum  1, 1; PL 168, 839-40)  and speaks of Mary’s spiritual motherhood ( In Joannem  13; PL 169, 789 D)

1100-1150    First appearance of the  Hail Mary

1100-1150    Marian mosaic placed in Cathedral of Torcello, Italy

1100-1153    Anselm of Canterbury and Bernard of Clairvaux highlight Mary's role in  redemption in addition to her role in the incarnation  All About Mary: Anselm of Canterbury   All About Mary: Channel and Fountain Symbolism

1151    Establishment of Santa Maria de Alcobaça Monastery in Portugal

1154    Founding of Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Palestine

1163-1235    Building of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France  http://www.notredamedeparis.fr/-English-

1179    Establishment of shrine of Our Lady of Nazare in Portugal

1194-1220/60    Rebuilding and dedication of the Cathedral in Chartres/France  http://www.cathedrale-chartres.org/en/,143.html

13th Century

1200    Development in Franciscan spirituality of devotion to the Seven Delights or Joys of Mary

1200    Origin of various devotions to the joys of Mary as well as contemplations on the sorrows of Mary  All About Mary: Seven Sorrows, Seven Joys   The Mary Page Archive ;  The Mary Page Archive

1216    St. Francis of Assisi has a vision of the Virgin Mary and establishes the Order of the Franciscans at the site of the chapel of Porziuncola.  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06221a.htm   http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12286a.htm

1220    Dedication of a church at Mt. Carmel to Our Lady

1225-1250    Stephen of Sawley develops meditations on the fifteen joys of Mary  All About Mary: Stephen of Sawley: Mary's Joys

1230-1280    Albert the Great uses the title " Mother of the Church "  All About Mary: Mother of the Church

1250-1274    Bonaventure introduces the word  hyperdulia  for the type of veneration given to Mary; Attributed also to Thomas Aquinas (Gambeio 213) All About Mary: Adoration of Mary

1251    St. Simon Stock receives the Scapular from Mary  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13800a.htm   All About Mary: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Scapular  

1260-1306   Composition of the  Stabat   Mater  by Jacopone da Todi  All About Mary: Stabat Mater Poetry   All About Mary: Stabat Mater, Origins All About Mary: Popes on the Rosary  (see Urban IV)

ca. 1265    First records of the Angelus prayer; in 1269 St. Bonaventure recommends the saying of three Hail  Marys with the evening bell. ( Chronicorum 24 Generalium; Analecta Franciscana  III, 329) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angelus

1265-1308   Duns Scotus is the first to set forth sound arguments for Mary's Immaculate Conception  All About Mary: John Duns Scotus on the Immaculate Conception

1270    Icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa brought to city of Lviv

1294    Beginning of pilgrimages to Loreto to venerate Holy House of Loreto and Our Lady of Loreto

14th Century

1300-1400   Institution of the Feast of Mary's Presentation  All About Mary: Presentation of Mary

1315   Church of St. Mary of Loreto mentioned for the first time in acts of penal process held at Macerata (Marche, Italy)

1318   Pope John XXII approved custom of reciting  Hail Mary  at the curfew hour  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08431a.htm

1326   Founding of Oriel College/Oxford and its dedication to Mary 

1327   Pope John XXII wrote that the evening bell of the three  Hail Marys  be rung in Rome

1372   Institution of the Feast of Mary’s Purification in the West  http://www.salvemariaregina.info/SalveMariaRegina/SMR-155/Purification.htm

1375   Pope Gregory XI grants first indulgences to the Church of Loreto

1377   Pope Gregory XI fosters Marian devotion by requiring the Curia to participate in the celebration of the Feast of the Presentation of Blessed Virgin Mary. [Source:  Marienlexikon , Vol. 3, p. 16] All About Mary: Marian Teachings: Pre-Early Modern Period   All About Mary: Presentation of Mary

1379   Founding of Saint Mary's College/Oxford and its dedication 

1382   Icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa removed from Lviv by Prince Ladislaus of Opole

1384   Icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa housed in chapel at Jasna Gora

1385   Portuguese success at Battle of Aljubarrota attributed to intercession of Blessed Virgin Mary

1387   Monastery of St. Mary of Victory built to honor Mary because of her intercession at Battle of Aljubarrota

1395   Grand Prince Vasili of Moscow orders icon of Our Lady of Vladimir be brought to Moscow; icon credited with protecting Moscow from invasion by Tamerlane

1390   In the Bull  Superni benignitas , Pope Boniface IX institutes the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BR04, 602-604) All About Mary: Marian Teachings: Pre-Early Modern Period   All About Mary: Feast of the Visitation

15th Century

1400   “Litany of Loreto” formed  All About Mary: Litany of Loreto in Context

1400   Special grace of the Virgin Mary received by the Carmelites and reported by John Grossi’s  Viridarium

1400-1500   Composition of the  Memorare  All About Mary: Memorare Prayer

1410   Introduction of the Rosary of Dominic the Carthusian

1410   Polish forces defeat the Teutonic Knights as they sing Poland’s oldest hymn “Bogurodzica Dziewica” (“God’s Virgin Mother”)

1420-1447   St. Colette of Corbie reveals her visions of Mary  All About Mary: Holy Kindred

1423   Institution of the Feast of the Sorrows of Mary  All About Mary: Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows

1430   Icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa damaged during robbery of shrine at Czestochowa

1435   Alain of Roche creates the “New Psalter of the Virgin” (the Rosary) in which 15 mysteries of Mary are enumerated  All About Mary: Rosary Origins

1438-1445   Council of Florence professes that the Son of God became man through Mary (DS 709) http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06111a.htm

1439   Council of Basel defines doctrine of Immaculate Conception (DS 734) http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02334b.htm

1440   Founding of Eton College which is dedicated to Mary 

1444   St. Bernardine of Siena and his followers preach devotion of the  Seven Delights of Mary  through  the garland of delights , or  Chaplet of 72 Hail Mary s  All About Mary: Seven Joys of Mary

1453   Hodegetria Icon disappears and is presumed destroyed after the fall of Constantinople

1456   Last practice of the  Angelus  solidified with the promulgation by Pope Callixtus III of praying three Hail Marys at midday

1457   Printing of the  Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary

1464   Alain of Roche, at Douai, begins preaching the “New Psalter of the Virgin;” Alain is credited with the structuring of the three groups of the Mysteries of the Rosary into Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious

1470   Dominican Alan Rupe writes on  The Unity of Mary’s Psalter

1470-1471   Martin Schongauer makes engravings on the  Life of Mary

1475   Founding of the first Confraternity of the Rosary in Cologne, Germany  All About Mary: Dominicans

1492   The  Salve Regina  is the first Christian prayer recited in the New World, as it was offered by Columbus and his men on San Salvador

1495   Approval of the Rosary by Pope Alexander VI  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01289a.htm

1496-1501   Michelangelo completes the  Pietà  All About Mary: Images of the Madonna  (see 1500s)

16th Century

1507   Catholic Church approves pilgrimages to the shrine of Loreto

1517-1648   Protestant Reformation through which Marian devotion and knowledge gradually faded in Protestantism

1518   Titian paints his  Assumption  at Frari, Venice, Italy

1531  Apparition of the Blessed Virgin to Juan Diego at Guadalupe, Mexico  http://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/guadalupe/index.html

1538   Destruction of the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham 

1558   Publication of the Litany of Loreto  All About Mary: Litany of Loreto in Context

1547-1563   Council of Trent affirms Mary's immunity from every actual personal fault (DS 993) and reaffirms the regulations regarding the veneration of Marian images (DS 986) http://history.hanover.edu/texts/trent/trentall.html

This same holy Synod doth nevertheless declare, that it is not its intention to include in this decree, where original sin is treated of, the blessed and immaculate Virgin Mary, the mother of God; but that the constitutions of Pope Sixtus IV., of happy memory, are to be observed, under the pains contained in the said constitutions, which it renews. (Fifth Session, Decree on Original Sin) (DS 792)

Moreover, that the images of Christ, of the Virgin Mother of God, and of the other saints, are to be had and retained particularly in temples, and that due honor and veneration are to be given them; not that any divinity, or virtue, is believed to be in them, on account of which they are to be worshipped; or that anything is to be asked of them; or, that trust is to be reposed in images, as was of old done by the Gentiles who placed their hope in idols; but because the honor which is shown them is referred to the prototypes which those images represent; in such wise that by the images which we kiss, and before which we uncover the head, and prostrate ourselves, we adore Christ; and we venerate the saints, whose similitude they bear: as, by the decrees of Councils, and especially of the second Synod of Nicaea, has been defined against the opponents of images. (Twenty-fifth Session, on the Invocation, Veneration, and Relics, of Saints, and on Sacred Images) (DS 986)

1555   Pope Paul IV, in the Constitution  Cum Quorumdam Hominum , affirms Mary’s virginity before, during and after Christ’s birth

1563   Founding of the Marian Sodality  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14120a.htm

1563   Council of Trent reaffirms liceity of the cult of the images of Mary

1563    Hail Mary  introduced into the Divine Office

1563   Appearance of Blessed Virgin Mary to St. Teresa of Jesus, who began the Discalced Carmelites with a living awareness of Mary in the Carmelite spirit http://helpfellowship.org/Articles%20of%20INterest/st_teresa%20and%20mary.htm

1567   Pope St. Pius V affirms Mary’s sinlessness (Papal bull Super Speculum )

1569-1679   Construction of the church Santa Maria degli Angeli in Assisi.  http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/assisi-santa-maria-degli-angeli

1571   Intervention of Mary credited with Christian victory over Islamic conquest at Gulf of Lepanto. The victory at the Battle of Lepanto is attributed by Pius the V to the recitation of the Rosary.  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09181b.htm

1571   Pope Pius V honors Mary with title Our Lady of Victory

1572   Pius V adds the invocation Mary, Help of Christians to the  Marian Litany.  and introduces the Feast of Our Lady of Victory.  All About Mary: Help of Christians   All About Mary: Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary   All About Mary: Our Lady of Victory

1573   Gregory XII Changes the Feast of Our Lady of Victory to the Feast of the Holy Rosary.  All About Mary: Our Lady of Victory

1577   St. Peter Canisius writes  De Maria Virgine Incomparabili  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11756c.htm

1578   Apparition at Lezajsk/Poland  http://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/lejask/index.html

1586   Holy House of Holy Family in Loreto, Italy, raised to a city and granted cathedral status by Pope Sixtus V

1587   Litany of Loreto approved by Pope Sixtus V  All About Mary: Litany of Loreto in Context

1550-1617   Francis Suarez establishes first systematic Mariology with his  Opera Omnia  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14319a.htm

1594   Apparition at Quito, Ecuador  http://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/quito/index.html

17th Century

1601   Litany of Loreto (Litany of the Blessed Virgin) prescribed for the Universal Church by Pope Clement VIII  All About Mary:Litany of Loreto in Context

ca. 17th Century    The French School   of Sprituality  (Bérulle, Condren, Olier, John Eudes, also John-Baptist de la Salle, Grignion de Montfort) brings about a renewal of Marian devotion: Mary at the heart of the Christian mystery; the first and most perfect Christian                    http://www.ewtn.com/library/montfort/Handbook/Frenchs.htm

1608   Russian monks invoke protection of Mary in defense of Trinity Monastery of St. Sergius in Moscow

1608-1612   Aparaition at Siluva/Lithuania  http://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/siluva/index.html

1610    La Conquistadora  (also known as  Our Lady of Conquering Love ) brought to Santa Fe, New Mexico by Spanish Conquistadores 

1627   Beginning of records of large-scale pilgrimages to the Black Madonna of Czestochowa

1643-1669   Devotion to the “Heart of Mary” promoted by St. John Eudes  All About Mary: Immaculate Heart of Mary Devotion

1644   Establishment of the Feast of the Most Pure Heart of Mary  All About Mary: Liturgical History of Marian Feasts

1648   Establishment of Feast of Our Lady of Iveron after daughter of Russian Tsar Alexis cured from illness upon arrival of copy of Icon of Our Lady of Iveron to Moscow.

1652   Apparition at Querrien, Brittany,/France  http://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/querrien/index.html

1655   Our Lady of Czestochowa invoked by Polish monks during invasion by Sweden; victory at monastery results, and Swedish occupation driven from country

1656   Poland’s King Jan Kazimierz gives Mary title “Queen of Poland” after victory over Sweden  All About Mary: Pope John Paul II and Poland's Marian Tradition

1664-1718   Apparitions at Laus/France  http://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/laus/index.html

1673   Founding of the Marians (Congregation of Marians of the Immaculate Conception) by the Venerable Servant of God Stanislaus Papczynski  http://padrimariani.org/en/index.php

1675   St. Margaret Mary Alacoque has vision of Jesus revealing His Sacred Heart ablaze with love and calling for return of love from all of humanity http://www.piercedhearts.org/theology_heart/life_saints/a_st_margaret_mary.htm

1676   Fr. Colombière spreads St. Margaret Mary Alacoque’s devotion to the Sacred Heart to Great Britain       

1680   St. John Eudes composes  The Admirable Heart of Mary , the first full-length book on the Heart of Mary  http://www.liberius.net/livres/The_admirable_Heart_of_Mary_000000374.pdf

1683   Feast of the Holy Name of Mary extended to the Universal Church  All About Mary: Name of Mary Feast: September 12

1683   King Jan III Sobieski invokes intercession of Mary as Turks besiege Vienna; Polish forces victorious

1690   Pope Alexander VIII upholds Mary’s perfect sinlessness (Decree of the Holy Office, Dec. 7, 1690.  Error of the Jansenists (DS 1314)) http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01295a.htm

18th Century

1716   Pope Clement XI extends Feast of Holy Rosary to the Catholic world in thanksgiving for triumph of Charles VI over Islamic invasion of Hungary  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04029a.htm   All About Mary: October, Month of the Rosary

1716   Alexander de Rouville publishes  The Imitation of Mary , patterned after  The Imitation of Christ

1724   Pope Benedict XIV approves the unified praying of the  Angelus  and prescribes that during the Easter season the  Angelus  be replaced by the  Regina Caeli  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02432a.htm

1726   The liturgical celebration of “Our Lady of Mount Carmel” is extended to the entire Latin Church  All About Mary: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Scapular

1726   Permission from the Pope for public devotion to Mary’s Heart again refused

1727 Benedict XIII decrees Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows for Latin Church

1729   Apparition at Montagnaga/Italy  http://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/montagnaga/index.html

1750   Alphonsus Maria de Liguori writes  The Glories of Mary  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01334a.htm

1754   Proclamation of Our Lady of Guadalupe as patroness of Mexico  All About Mary: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

1799   Devotion to Mary’s Heart permitted by the pope

19th Century

ca. 1800   Beginning of Marian shrine at Lichen, Poland  All About Mary: Our Lady of Lichen

1813   Icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa brought to St. Petersburg for veneration by Tsar Alexander I and a copy is later left in the Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan

1817   Founding of the Marianists by Fr. William Joseph Chaminade  http://www.marianist.org/site.php?menuaccess=22

1819   Institution of the Feast Mary, Help of Christians  All About Mary: Help of Christians

1830   Apparition to Catherine Labouré in Paris, France  http://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/ruedubac/index.html

1842   Discovery of Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort’s book  True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09384a.htm   https://www.ewtn.com/library/Montfort/TRUEDEVO.HTM

1842   Apparition in Rome/Italy  http://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/rome1842/index.html

1846   Apparition at La Salette, France  http://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/lasalette/index.html

1846   Blessed Virgin Mary, under the title of her Immaculate Conception, is declared Patroness of the United States 

1849   Pope Pius IX’s Encyclical  Ubi Primum , emphasizing Mary’s Immaculate Conception  https://www.ewtn.com/library/ENCYC/P9UBIPR2.HTM

1851   Pope Pius IX, in the Encyclical  Exultavit cor Nostrum , refers to Mary as our most loving Mother and our greatest source of confidence.  https://www.ewtn.com/library/ENCYC/P9EXULTA.HTM

1854   Proclamation of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary by Pope Pius IX in the Apostolic Constitution  Ineffabilis Deus  http://www.ewtn.com/faith/teachings/marye1.htm

1858   Apparition at Lourdes, France  http://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/lourdes/index.html

1859   Apparition at Robinsonville, Wisconsin/United States  http://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/robinsonville/index.html

1864   Pope Pius IX, in the Encyclical  Quanta Cura , refers to Mary as Mother and Queen.  https://www.ewtn.com/library/ENCYC/P9QUANTA.HTM

1865   Icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help returned to Esquiline Hill in Rome by the Redemptorists  All About Mary: Our Lady of Perpetual Help

1866   Blessing of the Crypt and the first Mass at the Grotto of Massabielle, Lourdes

1866   Apparition at Flippsdorf/Czech Republic  http://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/filippsdorf/index.html

1871   Apparition at Pontmain, France  http://www.marypages.com/PontmainEng1.html

1877   Construction of shrine to Our Lady of the Assumption at Cold Spring, Minnesota

1879   Apparition at Knock, Ireland  http://www.marypages.com/Knock1.htm

1879   Beginnings of Canada’s Shrine of Our Lady of the Cape in Quebec All About Mary: Our Lady of the Cape

1883-1902   Pope Leo XIII: eleven Marian encyclicals, advocating devotion to Mary and praying the Rosary ( Octobri   Mense )  All About Mary: Popes on the Rosary  (see Leo XIII)

1883   Adding of the invocation  Queen of the Most Holy Rosary  to the Litany of Loreto All About Mary: Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary

1884   Origin of “54-day Rosary Novena”  All About Mary: Lacey's Rosary Novena

1888   Apparition at Castelpetroso/Italy  http://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/bishop.html

1899   Consecration of the world to the Sacred Heart of Jesus by Pope Leo XIII

20th Century

1900   Proclamation of Our Lady of Guadalupe as Patroness of the Americas  All About Mary: Nican Mopohua

1900   Consecration of the twentieth century to the Holy Spirit by Pope Leo XIII

1900   1st International Marian Congress celebrated in Lyon, France.

1902   2nd International Marian Congress celebrated in Fribourg, Switzerland.

1904   Encyclical  Ad Diem Illum  by Pope Pius X (on the fiftieth anniversary of the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception)  http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/pius_x/...

1904   3rd International Marian Congress celebrated in Rome.

1906   4th International Marian Congress celebrated in Einsiedeln, Switzerland.

1907   Institution of the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes  All About Mary: Liturgical History of Marian Feasts

1908   5th International Marian Congress celebrated in Salzburg, Austria.

1910   6th International Marian Congress celebrated in Zaragoza, Spain.

1912   Pope Pius X authorizes plenary indulgence on the first Saturday of each month

1912   7th International Marian Congress celebrated in Trier, Germany.

1913   Congregation of the Holy Office, in the decree  Sunt quos amor , praises the custom of calling Mary “Co-Redemptrix”

1914   Construction begins on the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.  http://www.nationalshrine.com/site/c.osJRKVPBJnH/b.4719297/k.BF65/Home.htm

1914   Beginning of the Schoenstatt movement by Father Joseph Kentenich in Germany  http://www.schoenstatt.org/en/

1917   Apparition at Fatima, Portugal  http://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/fatima/index.html

1917   Founding of the Militia Immaculata by Father Maximilian Maria Kolbe  http://www.militia-immaculatae.info/pages/en/home.php?lang=EN

1917   Pope Benedict XV adds the invocation “Queen of Peace, pray for us” to the Litany of Loreto All About Mary: Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary

1918   Adding of the invocation  Queen of Peace  to the Litany of the Blessed Virgin  All About Mary: Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary

1918   Pope Benedict XV, in the apostolic letter  Inter Sodalicia , sets forth the role of Mary in Christ’s redeeming sacrifice  

1920   “Miracle of the Vistula” in Poland, where the Polish people rout invading Russian forces after invoking prayers to Our Lady of Czestochowa  All About Mary: Czestochowa Black Madonna

1921   Founding of  The   Legion of Mary  in Dublin, Ireland  http://www.legionofmary.ie/

1923   In the apostolic letter  Explorata Res , Pope Pius XI affirms Mary’s role in the Redemption brought by Christ

1925   Canonization of St. Thérèse de Lisieux, whose spirituality was significantly influenced by the Blessed Virgin Mary  All About Mary: Saint Thérèse de Lisieux, Marian Devotion

1925   Appearance of Our Lady of Fatima to Sister Lucia in Pontevedra, Spain, asking her to promulgate the five  First Saturday  devotion  All About Mary: Saturday Devotions  (see First Saturday Communion of Reparation)

1927   Holy See authorizes a special votive Mass for Our Lady of Fatima

1927   Coronation of the Icon of the Holy Mother of Mercy in Vilnius, Lithuania

1929   Appearance of Our Lady to Sister Lucia at Tui, Spain, where she asked for the Consecration of Russia to her Immaculate Heart

1930   Bishop of Fatima declares Fatima apparitions worthy of acceptance and of supernatural origin

1931   Institution of the Feast of the Divine Motherhood of  Mary   All About Mary: Christmas and the Solemnity of Mary's Divine Motherhood

1932-1933   Apparitions at Beauraing, Belgium  http://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/beauraing/index.html

1933   Apparition at Banneux, Belgium  http://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/banneaux/index.html

1933-1934   Pope Pius XI speaks of Mary’s contribution to Christ’s redemptive work and portrays her as associated with this work

1942   Pope Pius XII dedicates the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Pius_XII_Consecration_to_the_Immaculate_Heart_of_Mary   http://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/fatima/index.html

1943   Founding of Marian Library at the University of Dayton, OH  Marian Library/IMRI History

1944   Institution of the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary   All About Mary: Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

1945   Apparition at Amsterdam/Netherlands  http://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/amsterdam/index.html

1946   Pope Pius XII crowns image of Our Lady of Fatima and proclaims her “Queen of the World”

1946   Pope Pius XII recognizes the universal significance of the message of Fatima      

1946   Encyclical  Deiparae   Virginis Mariae  (on the possibility of defining the Assumption) by Pope Pius XII  http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/pius_xii/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xii_enc_01051946_deiparae-virginis-mariae_en.html  

1946   In Poland, 700,000 pilgrims gather at the shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa to consecrate Poland to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

1947   Canonization of St. Louis de Montfort by Pope Pius XII

1947   Establishment of the Academia Mariana Internationalis in Rome.  All About Mary: Pontifical International Marian Academy

1949   Pope Pius XII proclaimed a Holy Year from December 24, 1949 to December 24, 1950

1949   Founding  of the Mariological Society of America by Father Juniper Carol.  http://www.mariologicalsociety.com/

1950   Proclamation of the  Dogma of Mary's Assumption  by Pope Pius XII in the Apostolic Constituion  Munificentissimus   Deus  All About Mary: Assumption Dogma   http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/pius_xii/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_p-xii_apc_19501101_munificentissimus-deus_en.html

1950   Adding of the invocation  Mary, Queen assumed into heaven  to the Litany of Loreto All About Mary: Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary

1950   1st International Mariological and 8th Marian Congress celebrated in Rome; theme: Alma Socia Christi.

1950   Founding of the Marianum Theological Faculty in Rome by Father Gabriel Roschini http://marianum.it/

1951   Encyclical  Ingruentium   Malorum  on the spiritual power of the Rosary by Pope Pius XII  http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/pius_xii/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xii_enc_15091951_ingruentium-malorum_en.html

1952   Pope Pius XII, in his apostolic letter  Sacro Vergente Anno , expressly entrusts and consecrates “in a very special way to the Immaculate Heart of Mary all the peoples of Russia”

1953   Encyclical  Fulgens   Corona  by Pope Pius XII with the proclamation of a Marian Year in commemoration of the centenary of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception  http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/pius_xii/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xii_enc_08091953_fulgens-corona_en.html   All About Mary: Marian Years

1953   Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski composes the Jasna Gora vows, re-consecrating Poland to Mary

1953   Weeping Madonna at Syracuse/Italy  http://www.catholictradition.org/Mary/syracuse.htm

1954   Encyclical  Ad Caeli Reginam  by Pope Pius XII with the proclamation of Mary’s Queenship and its institution as a Feast  http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/pius_xii/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xii_enc_11101954_ad-caeli-reginam_en.html   All About Mary: Memorial of Mary's Queenship

1954   2nd International Mariological and 9th Marian Congress celebrated in Rome; theme: Virgo Immaculata.

1956   “Polish Marian Year” declared in commemoration of the 300 th  anniversary of King Jan Kazimierz’s proclamation of Mary as Queen of Poland

1956   Vatican officially approves adding to the public recitation of the Rosary the Fatima prayer given by Our Lady “O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven especially those who have most need of your mercy”

1957   Pope Pius XII, in the encyclical  Le  Pèlerinage de Lourdes , commemorates the centenary of Mary’s appearances at Lourdes  http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/pius_xii/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xii_enc_02071957_le-pelerinage-de-lourdes_en.html

1958   3rd International Mariological and 10th Marian Congress celebrated in Lourdes; theme: Maria et Ecclesia.

1959   In the encyclical  Grata Recordatio , Pope John XXIII calls Mary “the cause of salvation for the whole human race”  http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_xxiii/encyclicals/documents/hf_j-xxiii_enc_26091959_grata-recordatio_en.html

1959   Dedication of the main church and superstructure of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.  http://www.nationalshrine.com/site/c.osJRKVPBJnH/b.4719297/k.BF65/Home.htm

1959   Pope John XXIII grants the title Pontifical to the Academia Mariana Internationalis  All About Mary: Pontifical International Marian Academy

1960   Revelation of the third secret of Fatima to Pope John XXIII

1962   Institution of the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, in honor of Our Lady of Fatima, by Pope John XXIII

1964   Promulgation of the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church  Lumen Gentium  by Pope Paul VI at the Second Vatican Council: Chapter Eight of the Constitution gives the first Conciliar synthesis of the Church’s teaching on Mary’s place in the mystery of Christ and the Church. http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19641121_lumen-gentium_en.html

1964   Proclamation of Mary as  Mater Ecclesiae  by Pope Paul VI  All About Mary: Mother of the Church

1965   Encyclical  Mense   Maio  issued by Pope Paul VI, urging prayer during Mary’s month of May. (summary here)  http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-vi_enc_29041965_mense-maio_en.html   All About Mary: Magisterial Documents: Mense Maio (Summary)

1965   4th International Mariological and 11th Marian Congress celebrated in St. Domingo; theme: Maria in S. Scriptura.

1966   Encyclical  Christi Matri  by Pope Paul VI, in which he appeals for peace through the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church and Queen of Peace. (summary here)  http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-vi_enc_15091966_christi-matri_en.html   All About Mary: Magisterial Documents: Christi Matri (Summary)

1967   Apostolic Exhortation  Signum Magnum  by Pope Paul VI, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Mary's apparition at Fatima. (summary here)  http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_p-vi_exh_19670513_signum-magnum_en.html   http://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/fatima/index.html   All About Mary: Magisterial Documents: Signum Magnum

1967   5th International Mariological and 12th Marian Congress celebrated in Lisbon; theme: De Primordiis Cultus Mariani (Mariologia Patristica).

1967   Pope Paul VI, in the Encyclical  Sacerdotalis Caelibatus , refers to Mary as the Mother and Model of the Church and asks her to intercede for vocations to the priesthood.  http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-vi_enc_24061967_sacerdotalis_en.html

1968   Apparition at Zeitun/Egypt  http://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/zeitun/index.html

1969   Publication of the revised  Roman Missal , which is indicative of the implementation of the Conciliar teaching of Mary's role in the mystery of Christ and the Church and the elimination of certain minor Marian feasts

1969   In the Apostolic Exhortation  Recurrens Mensis October , Pope Paul VI encourages the praying of the Rosary for peace. (summary here)  All About Mary: Rosary for Peace   All About Mary: Magisterial Documents: Recurrens Mensis October

1970   Publication of the revised  Liturgy of the Hours , also indicative of a revised Marian approach regarding Marian readings, antiphons and hymns.

1971   6th International Mariological and 13th Marian Congress celebrated in Zagrabia; theme: De cultu mariano saeculis VI-XI.  http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-resources/liturgy-of-the-hours/

1973   Publication of the U.S. Bishops' Pastoral Letter Behold Your Mother (complete document); or this summary  http://books.google.com/books?id=GDgTqmbh ... All About Mary: Magisterial Documents: Behold Your Mother: Woman of Faith

1973   Apparition at Akita/Japan  http://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/akita/index.html

1974   Apostolic Exhortation  Marialis   Cultus : For the right ordering and development of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. (summary here)  http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_p-vi_exh_19740202_marialis-cultus_en.html   All About Mary: Magisterial Documents: Marialis Cultus

1975   Revised Roman Missal (2 nd  edition) includes Votive Masses of “Mary, Mother of the Church” and “Holy Name of Mary”

1975   7th International Mariological and 14th Marian Congress celebrated in Rome; theme: De cultu mariano saeculis XII-XV.

1975   In the Apostolic Exhortation  Gaudete in Domino , Pope Paul VI presents Mary as an example of Christian Joy. (summary here)  http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_p-vi_exh_19750509_gaudete-in-domino_en.html   All About Mary: Magisterial Documents: Guadete in Domino

1976   Polish bishops themselves consecrate all nations and peoples to the Mother of God

1976   Apparation at Batania/Venezuela  http://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/betania/index.html

1978   Vatican’s Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith lifts prohibitions imposed in 1959 on the Mercy of God devotions advocated by Sister Faustina Kowalska

1979   Pope John Paul II, in his visit to Our Lady’s Shrine of Guadalupe in Mexico City, describes the faith of Mary as a model for all Christians and calls her the “star of evangelization”

1979   Image of Guadalupe examined by scientists and it is determined that the original image of Mary could not be explained as a human work

1979   Shrine of Our Lady of Knock in Ireland visited by Pope John Paul II and elevated to status of Basilica

1979   8th International Mariological and 15th Marian Congress celebrated in Saragoza; theme: De cultu mariano saeculis XVI.

1980   Adding of the invocation  Mother of the Church  to the Litany of Loreto  All About Mary: Litany of Loreto in Context

1980   Apparition at Cuapa/Nicaragua  http://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/cuapa/index.html

1981   The Church promulgates  The Rite for Crowning an Image of the Blessed Virgin Mary

1981-1989   Apparitions at Kibeho/Rwanda  http://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/kibeho_rwanda/index.html

1982   Apparition at Edfu/Egypt  http://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/edfu/index.html

1983   Apparition at San Nicholas/Argentina  http://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/sannicolas/index.html

1983   9th International Mariological and 16th Marian Congress celebrated in Malta; theme: De cultu mariano saeculis XVII-XVIII.

1985   Consecration of the people and President of the United States to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

1986-1991   Apparition at Papadouplo, Shoubra, Cairo/Egypt  http://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/shoubra/index.html

1987   Proclamation of a  Marian Year  (June 7, 1987-August 15, 1988).  All About Mary: Marian Years

1987   Encyclical Letter  Redemptoris   Mater  by Pope John Paul II.  (summary here)  http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_25031987_redemptoris-mater_en.html   All About Mary: Magisterial Documents: Redemptoris Mater

1987   Publication of the Latin Edition of the  Collection of Marian Masses  All About Mary: Liturgical History of Marian Feasts

1987   10th International Mariological and 17th Marian Congress celebrated in Kevelaer; theme: De cultu mariano saeculis XIX-XX.

1988   Publication of the Letter from the Congregation for Catholic Education:  The Virgin Mary in Intellectual and Spiritual Formation  All About Mary: The Virgin Mary in Intellectual and Spiritual Formation

1988   John Paul II, in the Apostolic Letter  Mulieris Dignitate, . presents the Blessed Virgin Mary as model for women. (summary here)  http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_letters/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_15081988_mulieris-dignitatem_en.html   All About Mary: Magisterial Documents: Mulieris Dignitatum

1988   Memorial of Our Lady of Guadalupe in the United States raised to status of Feast

1992   Publication of the complete English edition of the  Collection of Masses of the Blessed Virgin Mary  All About Mary: Liturgical History of Marian Feasts

1992   11th International Mariological and 18th Marian Congress celebrated in Huelva; theme: De cultu mariano saeculo XX. Post Concilium Vaticanum II [Marian doctrine, devotion and cult from Vatican Council II up to our day].

1993   Pope John Paul II, in the encyclical  Veritatis Splendor , presents Mary as the Mother of Mercy.  (summary here)  http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_06081993_veritatis-splendor_en.html   All About Mary: Magisterial Documents: Veritatis Splendor

1994   Publication of the  Catechism of the Catholic Church . The Catechism show the intergral role of Mary in the mystery of Christ and the Church  http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM

1994   Apparition at Itapirang/Brazil  http://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/itapiranga/index.html

1995   Adding of the invocation Mary,  Queen of Families  to the Marian Litany  All About Mary: Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary

1995   John Paul II, in the encyclical  Evangelium Vitae  portrays Mary as the bearer and defender of life. (summary here)  http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_25031995_evangelium-vitae_en.html   All About Mary: Magisterial Documents: Evangelium Vitae

1996    12th International Mariological and 19th Marian Congress celebrated in Czestochowa; theme: Maria, Mater Domini in mysterio salutis, quod ab Orientis et Occidentis Ecclesiis in Spiritu Sancto hodie celebratur [Mary, Mother of the Lord, in the mystery of salvation as celebrated in the Eastern and Western Churches].

1998   Bull of Indiction of the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000  The Mystery of the Incarnation  by Pope John Paul II: Mary, the Mother of the Church, intercedes for the Christian people during the time of preparation for the great jubilee year http://www.vatican.va/jubilee_2000/docs/documents/hf_jp-ii_doc_30111998_bolla-jubilee_en.html

21st Century

2000   The  Holy Year of Christ’s Birth .

2000   13th International Mariological and 20th Marian Congress celebrated in Rome; theme: Maria e il mistero della Santa Trinità (Mary and the Mystery of the Holy Trinity).

2000   Consecration of the World to Mary by Pope John Paul II and the College of Bishops

2000   Consecration of the Third Millenium of Christianity to the Immaculate Heart of Mary by Pope John Paul II

2000   The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith releases  The Message of Fatima , which reveals and interprets the Third Secret of Fatima.  http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20000626_message-fatima_en.html

2000-2001   Apparition at Assuit/Egypt  http://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/assiut/index.html

2001   John Paul II, in the  Apostolic Leter  Novo Millennio Inuente  at the close of the Great Jubilee of the year 2000, presents the Blessed Virgin Mary as "Star of the New Evangelization."  http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_letters/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_20010106_novo-millennio-ineunte_en.html

October 2002-October 2003   The Year of the Rosary

Apostolic Letter of John Paul II Rosarium Virginis Mariae [On the Most Holy Rosary] (10/2/2002)--The Mysteries of Light. (summary here)  http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_letters/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_20021016_rosarium-virginis-mariae_en.html   All About Mary: Magisterial Documents: Rosarium Virginis Mariae

2003   Encyclical of John Paul II  Ecclesia de Eucharistia  with chapter VI, "At the School of Mary, 'Woman of the Eucharist'"  http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/special_features/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_20030417_ecclesia_eucharistia_en.html

2004   Twenty-first International Mariological-Marian Congress in Rome; theme: Mary of Nazareth welcomes the Son of God in History

2005    Letter to Priests for Holy Thursday  from John Paul II mentions " 'Eucharistic' life at the school of Mary"  http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/letters/2005/documents/hf_jp-ii_let_20050313_priests-holy-thursday_en.html

2005   Benedict XVI, in the Encyclical  Deus Caritas Est  [God is Love]--presents Mary as teacher of true love  http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20051225_deus-caritas-est_en.html

2008   One-hundredth anniversary of Lourdes

2008   Twenty-second International Mariological-Marian Congress in Lourdes; theme: The Virgin Mary's apparitions. Among History, Faith and theology

2008   15th International Mariological and 22nd Marian Congress celebrated in Lourdes; theme: The apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary – between history, faith and theology

2009  Apparition at Warraq, El-Hadar/Egypt  http://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/warraq/index.html  

2012   16th International Mariological and 23rd Marian Congress celebrated in Rome; theme: Mariology since Vatican II. Reception, Assessment, and Prospects

2013   Pope Francis, in the Apostolic Exhortation Gaudium  Evangelii , presents Mary as the Mother of Evangelization.  http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20131124_evangelii-gaudium.html

References:

Catholic Book Publishing Co.,  Dictionary of Mary “Behold your Mother,”  revised and expanded edition (New Jersey: Catholic Book Publishing Co., 1997);

Catholic Encyclopedi.  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/

Fiores de S., Meo, S., eds.,  Nuevo Diccionario de Mariología  (Madrid: Ediciones Paulinas, 1988);

Gambero, Luigi.   Mary and the Fathers of the Church: The Blessed Virgin Mary in Patristic Thought .  Trans. Thomas Buffer.  San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 1999.

Gambero, Luigi.   Mary in the Middle Ages: The Blessed Virgin Mary in the Thought of Medieval Latin Theologians   Trans. Thomas Buffer.  San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2005.

Graef, Hilda.  Mary :  A History of Doctrine and Devotion; with a new chapter covering Vatican II and beyond by Thomas A. Thompson .  Notre Dame, Indiana: Christian classics, 2009.

Martin, John.   Roses, Fountains and Gold. The Virgin Mary in History, Art and Apparition .  San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 1998.

Pannet, R., Bavaud, G., Margerie de, B.,  Dictionnaire Marial  (Chambray-lès-Tours: C.L.D., 1991);

Stöhr, J., “Mariologie,” in R. Bäumer, L. Scheffczyk, eds.,  Marienlexikon   6 Vols. (St. Ottilien: EOS Verlag, 1992), Vol. 4, 320-326;

Warner, M.,  Alone of All Her Sex: The Myth and the Cult of the Virgin Mary  (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1976).

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Jeannie Ewing

This is the most complete list of marian apparitions.

• Mysticism , Saints

Always as our Lady, our Mother and our Savior's mother, Mary has appeared as apparitions under many titles to many diverse peoples in different periods of history. She suffered a sword piercing her heart as she watched her son's Passion and Death, and she is constantly alert to even our smallest sufferings. Our Blessed Mother comes to us when we need her most, with a message and guidance specific to the problems and suffering at hand. Here is a list of 40 beautiful stories of Marian apparitions in countries all over the world to inspire you and remind you of the eternal compassion and counsel which she unceasingly offers to us.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico

St. Juan Diego encountered Mary as he climbed the Hill of Tepeyac in Mexico during a routine walk in 1531.  She identified herself as the Virgin Mary, the “mother of the very true deity” and requested that a chapel be built on the Hill in her honor.  After two unsuccessful attempts to convince his bishop, St. Juan Diego explained to Our Lady that he needed to bring a specific sign in order to verify the validity of his vision.

Once St. Juan opened his cloak to the bishop, a cascade of roses fell from his tilma, revealing the ornate details of the miraculous and mysterious image of Our Lady of Guadalupe .  To this day, the tilma remains in excellent condition, and Our Lady of Guadalupe is invoked by thousands of faithful all over the world.

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Rue du Bac, Paris, France

When Catherine Labouré was only a novice in the Rue du Bac convent, she was praying in the chapel late at night in 1830.  At once, she saw a figure that she believed was her guardian angel, who then escorted her to see Mary descend the chapel steps and sit in the chair reserved for the spiritual director.

Catherine reported this vision to her spiritual director, who was skeptical at first, but then Mary appeared a second time, standing on a globe and holding a golden ball, light surrounding her.  Catherine understood this vision to mean that the ball represented the world, and the light emanating from Mary were all of the individual graces people would receive from venerating her as Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.  The oval design and “M”, as well as the words, “O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee” were part of St. Catherine’s vision.

Our Lady of La Salette, France

In 1846, two children named Maximin Giraud and Mélanie Calvat were returning from a mountain in La Salette, France, after tending to their cows, when they saw “a beautiful lady” appear to them, weeping with her face in her hands and “clothed in a white robe studded with pearls; and a gold-colored apron; white shoes and roses about her feet and high head-dress. She wore a crucifix suspended by a necklace from her neck.”

The message of Our Lady was the conversion of the entire world.  Her devotees were mainly of nineteenth century, rural France, but saints, such as St. John Vianney, called upon her for intercession regularly.  St. John Paul II explained that she is a timeless representation of Mary, desperately encouraging us toward deeper prayer, conversion, and commitment to God.

Our Lady of Lourdes, France

Likely one of the most beloved and well-known of the Marian apparitions, young Bernadette Soubirous, who was uneducated and poor, saw a beautiful lady standing near a wasteland where Bernadette and her sister were gathering firewood.  February 11, 1858 was the first of several apparitions at Lourdes, where Mary revealed herself to Bernadette as “The Immaculate Conception,” a dogma of the Church that was entirely unfamiliar to Bernadette.  This added to the credibility of the vision.

As the Immaculate Conception, Mary was dressed in white, bearing a golden rosary and blue belt around her waist with two golden roses at her feet.  After much controversy over these ongoing apparitions, they were eventually approved by the Church.  Lourdes is a popular pilgrimage site and has been known to possess healing waters, where many miracles have been attributed to Our Lady’s intercession.

Our Lady of Pontmain, France

Two boys of the Barbadette family, Joseph and Eugene, saw a vision of Mary during an ordinary evening of assisting their father in the family barn.  When Eugene looked up at the night sky, he saw a beautiful woman wearing a blue gown covered with golden stars and a black veil under a golden crown.  His brother, Joseph, also saw the vision, but the boys’ parents did not.

As word spread during the height of the Franco-Prussian War in 1871, people looked at this unusual star in the sky, where children were given the grace to see the same Marian apparition that the Barbadette boys saw, but adults could not.  Every child who caught a glimpse of her described her in the same detail as Joseph and Eugene did at first sight.  Once the apparitions were approved, she was known as Our Lady of Hope, because her presence in the sky literally stopped the advancement of the Prussians against France.  They claimed an “invisible Madonna in the sky” prevented them from finishing the war.

Our Lady of Knock, Ireland

In the 1870s, the people of Ireland were still experiencing the aftermath of the Great Irish Famine, which left countless unemployed, starving, and homeless.  In a small parish church, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, a group of 15 men, women, and children witnessed multiple apparitions that included St. Joseph, St. John the Evangelist, and Mary.

Our Lady was radiant and hovering a few feet above the ground, dressed in a white cloak and bearing on her head a radiant golden crown that was illuminated.  The witnesses described her as “deep in prayer,” with her hands folded and head bowed. The people joined in praying the Rosary for two hours while they continued to behold this vision of saints.

At the site of the apparition, which is today known as the Shrine of Our Lady of Knock, many granted favors were reported and it became of interest worldwide.  It was known as the “Knock phenomenon,” and pilgrims still travel to the shrine from every area of the world to seek Our Lady’s intercession.

Our Lady of Fatima, Portugal

While herding sheep near their village of Fatima in 1916, Lucia Santos and her two cousins Jacinta and Francisco Marto were witnesses of an angelic vision on three occasions, who they explained was “The Angel of Peace.”  The angel prepared them to increase their efforts at mortification and prayer.  One year later, the children saw a woman “brighter than the sun” who wore a white mantle adorned in gold, holding a rosary.

The beautiful lady encouraged the children to pray the rosary daily in order to bring peace to the world and end the war.  Mary continued to appear to the three children, revealing prophecies and even making the sun dance , so that the people would come to believe in her message.

Our Lady of Beauraing, Belgium

Also known as the Virgin of the Golden Heart, Our Lady of Beauraing appeared 33 times to 5 children in Belgium between 1932 and 1933.  The five children were walking home from school one day, when Albert (one of the visionaries) pointed out a lady dressed in a long white robe who was standing near a railroad nearby.  All of the children present witnessed this miracle, and the lady returned to them 32 more times over the course of a few months.

The lady revealed that she wished for a chapel to be built in the garden of the children’s school (attached to a convent), saying, “I am the Immaculate Virgin.”  She urged the children to pray fervently.  The pilgrimage site today, which has been approved by the Church as a veritable Marian apparition site, draws the faithful, many of whom report miraculous cures.

Our Lady of Banneux, Belgium

Also known as Our Lady of the Poor, she appeared to a teenage girl named Mariette Beco between January 2 and March 2, 1933.  When Beco told her family and parish priest about her vision, she described the lady as dressed in white and describing herself as the “Virgin of the Poor.”  The lady also sent the message, “I come to relieve suffering and believe in me, and I will believe in you.”

Beco first saw Mary through her kitchen window when she was just twelve years old.  Our Lady called out to Beco, but she wasn’t permitted to leave the house.  Over the course of 8 apparitions, Mary told Beco to put her hands in a spring of water, saying that it was for healing for all nations.  The small spring is directly attributed to many miraculous healings, even to this day.

Our Lady of Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina

In Medjugorje, Mary is also known as the Queen of Peace.  She first appeared to 6 Herzogovinian children in 1981, all of whom are still alive.  For several years, the young visionaries reported seeing Mary on a hill in Bosnia on a daily basis, but some of them no longer receive apparitions.  All of the witnesses were given 6 “secrets” from Mary, which they will have permission to reveal once the apparitions cease altogether.

Our Lady of Medjugorje calls all people to pray, fast, and do penance.  Although many wondrous phenomena have occurred at the site of the apparitions, such as the sun spinning or dancing in the sky or pilgrims seeing angels or images of crosses, the apparitions have not yet been approved by the Church and are under investigation.

Mother of the Redeemer, Bloomington, IN

Ruth Ann Wade, an introverted and unpretentious school teacher, began receiving visions of Mary and Jesus in her home.  She first shared them with her parish priest, then with her prayer group.  Pilgrims began flocking to the farm where the Wades resided in order to hear Ruth Ann’s testimony.  Mary revealed herself as the Mother of the Redeemer and requested that a chapel be built on the Wades’ farm hill.

Over time, Our Lady’s messages included further requests for a retreat center, guest house, Stations of the Cross path, and a rosary path.  The Mother of the Redeemer Farm is now a full-fledged retreat center, and the Wades no longer live on site.  Instead, it houses full time priests and religious, who offer retreats to pilgrims, as well as daily Mass and Eucharistic Adoration.

Our Lady of the Rosary of San Nicolas, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Between 1983 and 1990, Mary appeared to an Argentinian housewife named Gladys Herminia Quiroga de Motta on a near-daily basis, beginning on October 13, 1983 while Gladys was praying her rosary at home.

Mary appeared to her wearing a blue dress, saying, “Do not be afraid.  Receive this Rosary from my hands and keep it forever and ever.  You are obedient; I am happy because of it.  Rejoice, for God is with you,” and handed Gladys a white rosary.  Our Lady’s messages have mainly been portents of things to come if the world does not convert, as well as revelations of things to come.  These apparitions were recently approved by an Argentinian bishop as supernatural in origin.

Our Lady of Laus, France

In 1664, a young French shepherdess named Benoite Rencurel took her sheep to the Valley of Kilns, where she first saw Mary holding the child Jesus in her arms.  Mary instructed Benoite to travel out of Laus and seek a sweet smelling perfume at a chapel, which she wanted to be renovated.  Once Benoite came upon it, Mary told her, “This will be a place of conversion for numerous sinners, and I will appear here very often.”

The oil from the sanctuary lamp at the chapel dedicated to Notre Dame de Bon Recontre is known to heal the sick and dying.   The message of Our Lady here, also known as the Refuge of Sinners, is reconciliation – with oneself, with others, and with God.  The apparition site is one which has been approved by the Church.

Apparitions in Tensta, Sweden

In 2012, several witnesses claimed to have seen Mary on the roof of their church, a Syrian Orthodox parish in Tensta, Sweden.  Those who saw her said her appearance there was relevant to the ongoing strife in Syria.  Our Lady asked them to pray for peace, to be harbingers of peace everywhere.  She appeared to the witnesses three times, one of which seems to be captured in a photograph.  These apparitions have not yet been approved by the Catholic Church.

Our Lady of Akita, Japan

Sister Agnes Katsuko Sasagawa saw a hand-carved wooden statue of Our Lady come alive and speak to her in 1973. The statue is said to have brought about miraculous cures to those who believe.  The main message of Our Lady of Akita is prayer (especially the Rosary) and penance, with an ominous warning of persecutions and heresies to befall the Catholic Church in future times.

Adding some credibility to these apparitions, Sr. Sasagawa was miraculously healed of a hearing impairment she had, and the healing occurred shortly after the Marian apparitions began.  The statue also is reported to mysteriously weep from time to time, one occasion of which was broadcast on national Japanese television.  The Church is still investigating the validity of these apparitions.

Shrine of Our Lady of Altotting, Germany

The shrine, dating back to 660 A.D., houses an image of the Black Madonna, which was carved from lindenwood.  It is a popular pilgrimage site following a miraculous recovery of a boy who drowned in 1489.  The boy’s mother laid his lifeless body at the feet of the statue, and he came to life after she begged Mary’s intercession for a miracle.  Other miracles have been reported at this site since that time.

Our Lady of Czestochowa, Poland

Also known as the Black Madonna, Our Lady of Czestochowa is a revered and sacred icon that dates back to the seventh century.  Legend states that in 1655, during the Second Northern War, Our Lady held off Swedish troops for over a month, protected the Poles and their monastery (where the icon was kept at the time), and changed the course of the war.  Shortly thereafter, Our Lady of Czestochowa was named as Queen and Protector of Poland.

Our Lady of Good Counsel, Genazzano, Italy

According to legend, in 1467 the people of Genazzano, Italy heard heavenly music being played.  Suddenly an ethereal cloud descended upon their parish church and annihilated one of the walls, vanishing just as quickly as it came.  In its place was a fresco of Mary and the Christ Child, a painting on a surface no thicker than an egg shell that became affectionately known as Our Lady of Good Counsel.  The Augustinians have cared for the mysterious image at the parish of Santa Maria, where numerous miracles and cures are said to have taken place.

Our Lady of Loreto, Italy

Most of the miraculous happenings at Loreto are based on tradition.  In 1291, the Holy House of Nazareth was transported by angels from Nazareth across the Mediterranean to a small town, Tersatto.  The pastor of the town’s church questioned how such a tiny house appeared out of nowhere, and he prayed for divine guidance on what to do about it.

Shortly thereafter, the Blessed Mother appeared to him in a dream and told him that the church was truly from Nazareth and was where the Annunciation took place, brought to his care by the power of God.  To prove this, she said he would be cured of an illness from which he suffered for many, many years.  Upon awakening, Fr. Alexander’s health was completely and miraculously restored.

Thousands of miracles have been reported at the House of Nazareth, under the intercession of Our Lady of Loreto.  Many saints, including St. Thérèse of Lisieux, St. Alphonsus Liguori, and St. Frances Cabrini have made a pilgrimage to the holy house.

Our Lady of Ocotlan, Mexico

Tradition tells us of this story, which occurred in 1541, where a convert named Juan Diego Bernardino climbed atop a hill in Ocotlan to draw some water from a spring that was known to have healing properties.  A deadly illness had left many in his region very ill, including his entire family.

As he came to the apex of the hill, he saw a beautiful lady who spoke to him: “God bless you, my son.  Where are you going?”  When he explained to her what he was doing, she told him to follow her to a place where she would give him water that would get rid of the contagion altogether, because she didn’t want to see her children suffer without offering a remedy.

At the bottom of the hill, she led him to a pine grove with a spring of water, still in existence today.  Our Lady told Juan that the smallest drop of water would restore a person to perfect health and that he would find an image of her in the grove where they were standing.  Today there is a shrine where this apparition took place, and many other miracles are attributed to Our Lady’s intercession there.

Our Lady of Peace, Santa Fe, NM

In 1680, the Pueblo Indians revolted against the prevailing government of Spanish immigrants in Santa Fe, NM.  No one was spared; even almost two dozen Franciscan priests were martyred during this war (and are today honored on Martyr’s Hill).  The massacre was so horrible that all of the Santa Fe settlers fled and went into exile for thirteen years, taking very little with them.

A general from Spain, Don Diego de Vargas, had great faith in the Blessed Mother.  He carried an image of La Conquistadora on a flag and entered Pueblo territory in Santa Fe with it waved high.  Don Diego was kind and knew Our Lady would deliver his people peacefully back into the territory.  Miraculously, the Pueblo Indians began to trust Don Diego, who became the new governor of New Mexico, and the people were able to return.

Our Lady of Altagracia, Dominican Republic

According to pious tradition, the daughter of a rich merchant in the Dominican Republic asked her father to bring her a portrait of Our Lady of Altagracia from Santo Domingo, which no one had heard of at the time.  The merchant, while traveling, was staying overnight at a friend’s house when a mysterious man with a long beard passed by and handed him a rolled up painting, saying, “This is what you are looking for.”  It was a portrait of Our Lady of Altagracia, or Our Lady of High Grace.  Shortly thereafter, the man vanished without a trace.

Today there is a shrine in the Dominican Republic where the image is encased.  Venerators travel from far away, as many miracles have been attributed to Our Lady under this title.  She is also the patroness of the Dominican Republic.

Our Lady of the Pillar, Zaragoza, Spain

An ancient Spanish tradition states that the Blessed Mother appeared to the apostle James the Greater (one of the original twelve) while he was praying by the banks of the Ebro.  She was accompanied by angels, standing on a pillar, and appeared to him for encouragement.  He had not made many converts and was battling discouragement at the time of the apparition.

Our Lady performed many miracles while in James’ presence and assured him that many people would come to the Faith because of his influence, and their faith would be as strong as the pillar she was standing on.  Before she left James, she gave him a wooden statue of herself and instructed him to have a chapel built on the site in her honor.  Today there is also a shrine where pilgrims venerate Our Lady of the Pillar.

Our Lady of Pompeii, Italy

In 1871, a third order Dominican who had taken the name Brother Rosario held a deep desire to promulgate devotion to Mary and the Rosary in the region of Pompeii, Italy, where he lived.  As he began traveling, he became very disheartened at the lack of faith, and the extreme poverty and ignorance of the people he encountered.  He was struggling with doubts of his own when he heard a voice say to him, “If you seek salvation, promulgate the Rosary.  This is Mary’s own promise.”  As a result, he began many festivals in honor of the Rosary, including games and lotteries to attract the secular people of the area.  He also renovated a dilapidated church and named it Our Lady of the Rosary.

Then, in 1884, a young girl from Naples, Italy named Fortuna Agrelli was suffering from an unknown, incurable disease.  Her family began a novena of rosaries, and on the final day of the novena, Mary appeared to Fortuna.  Adorned in golden garments, the Blessed Mother was sitting on a throne with the Christ Child in her lap and a Rosary in her hand.  Fortuna then asked the “Queen of the Rosary” to cure her, and Our Lady was moved with compassion, promising to do so if the young girl would offer three novenas of the Rosary for her request.

Fortuna was, indeed, cured, and Our Lady then told her, “Whoever desires to obtain favors should pray three novenas of the prayers of the Rosary in petition and three in thanksgiving,” which is how the Rosary Novena began.

Our Lady of Tears, Syracuse, Italy

In 1953, a young married couple, Antonina and Angelo Iannuso, received a statue of the Blessed Mother as a wedding gift and placed it in their home with great admiration, though they sheepishly admitted they were lax Catholics.  When Antonina discovered she was pregnant, she was afflicted with toxemia and became blind, as well as partially epileptic.  After a seizure that left her totally blind, Antonina recovered her sight the following day and set her gaze upon the statue of the Blessed Mother in her bedroom.  The statue, to her astonishment, was weeping.  When Antonina told her family members this, they also witnessed the tears streaming from the statue and onto the bed.

As a result, Antonina recovered completely from her toxemia and gave birth to a healthy child.  The Church declared this phenomenon as supernatural in origin.

Our Lady of Siauliai, Lithuania

In 1457, a Lithuanian nobleman named Petras Gedgaudas generously donated some land to build a temple in honor of the Blessed Mother.  He built a church dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin and Ss. Peter and Bartholomew.  The faithful immediately flocked to celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin.  Shortly thereafter, Gedgaudas miraculously received an icon of Our Lady, which he placed in the new church.  It eventually became a popular shrine, and Pope Pius VI approved the apparition, granting pilgrims indulgences for visiting the shrine.

Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn, Lithuania

Based on a Renaissance painting that hung in a chapel in Lithuania, the monk Hilarion published a book in 1761, citing 17 miracles attributed to the image of the Blessed Mother.  The first occurred shortly after the chapel was built in 1671, when a two-year-old fell from the second floor to the hard pavement and was gravely injured.  His parents prayed to Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn, and their son immediately and miraculously recovered.  Many other miracles are directly related to those who venerated the image.  According to popular tradition, adorers leave a small object or image based on the cure they obtained praying to Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn.  Today there are over 8,000 votive offerings in the chapel. 

This image of Mary is also known as the Mother of Mercy and is closely attributed to the message of Divine Mercy.  St. Faustina visited the Gate of Dawn chapel and wrote of the icon taking a “living appearance,” and then speaking to her: “Accept all that God asks of you like a little child, without questioning; otherwise it would not be pleasing to God.”

Our Lady of Pellevoisin, France

In 1876, a domestic servant named Estelle Faguette claimed to receive 15 apparitions of Mary.  Before the apparitions occurred, Estelle wrote a letter to Mary, begging for a cure and subsequently recovered completely from tuberculosis, from which she was dying.  Her cure was later deemed as miraculous.  Following this authorization from her bishop, Estelle’s bedroom became an oratory and eventually a shrine to Our Lady of Pellevoisin.

Estelle said that the main message she received from Mary during the apparitions was an increased devotion to the scapular of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  In fact, during the final apparition, Mary told Estelle, “I have many graces in store for those who wear this scapular with trust in me. These graces are my Son’s; I bring them from His Heart; he will refuse me nothing.  The lady asked her to show the scapular to the local bishop and ask his assistance in promoting it.”

Holy Mother of Gietrzwald, Poland

Mary appeared to two girls, Justyna Szafrynska and Barbara Samulowska, first in 1877, before Poland became its own nation.  At the time, the Polish people were forced to speak German, and their territory was divided into three partitions.  Mary’s first message to the girls was of conversion, peace, and penance for sins.  She spoke to the girls in their native Polish language, which in and of itself was a sign of encouragement to the Poles.

After nine appearances to the young girls, Mary’s final message was, “Pray the Rosary zealously!”  There is now a minor basilica dedicated to Mary under this title in Poland, and the apparitions were approved by the Church in 1977.

Appearance to St. Dominic, France

In 1214, Dominic (one day the founder of the Order of Preachers, or Dominicans) was deeply afflicted by the sinfulness of heretics and poor example of Catholics.  He wept for three days and did acts of mortification in reparation for these sins.  From such extreme torture to his body, he fell into a coma.

While in the coma, St. Dominic saw a vision of Mary.  She appeared with three angels and asked him, “Dear Dominic, do you know which weapon the Blessed Trinity wants to use to reform the world? If you want to win souls, preach the Angelic Psalter.”  This was what is now known as the Rosary.

Immediately after recovering from his coma, St. Dominic preached the Rosary to the unconverted Albigenisan heretics, and he set apart fifteen mysteries of the Rosary, grouping them into five decades each.  The Angelic Salutation is the Hail Mary, and the Psalter is the 150 Psalms.  St. Dominic knew this to mean that the Blessed Mother intended for 150 Hail Marys to be prayed, which is how we have the Rosary we know today.

Apparitions at The Church of St. Demiana, Cairo, Egypt

The Church of St. Demiana is housed in a very poor and small Coptic Christian community in Egypt.  In 1986, the Blessed Mother appeared beside the two towers of the church and was seen by those who lived in the houses overlooking the towers.  They saw her full body surrounded by a halo of light, which was repeated several times until 1991.  The light surrounding her was a true miracle, as the electrical current was shut off from the church, and the light remained.  She is known as the Mother of True Lights in this region.

Garabandal, Spain

Four young school girls in the rural village of Garabandal, Spain witnessed apparitions of St. Michael the Archangel and Mary several times, beginning in 1961 and ending in 1965.  She is often referred to as Our Lady of Mount Carmel of Garabandal because her appearance was that of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

The visionaries received two main messages, both of which call for “conversion of heart.”  The first message was, “We must make many sacrifices, perform much penance, and visit the Blessed Sacrament frequently. But first, we must lead good lives. If we do not, a chastisement will befall us. The cup is already filling up, and if we do not change, a very great chastisement will come upon us.”

The second message, after no change occurred, was, “If you ask His forgiveness with a sincere heart. He will pardon you. I, your Mother, through the intercession of St. Michael the Archangel, wish to tell you that you should make amends. You are now being given the last warnings. I love you very much, and I do not want your condemnation. Ask Us sincerely and We shall grant your plea. You must make more sacrifices. Reflect on the Passion of Jesus.”

Our Lady of Prompt Succor, New Orleans, Louisiana

Based on a wooden statue belonging to the Ursuline convent, many miracles have been attributed to Mary under the title of Our Lady of Prompt Succor.  First, in 1788, a destructive fire was devastating a section of New Orleans close to the convent and approached dangerously near to it.  The nuns were instructed to evacuate the convent, but one particular sister, Sr. St. Anthony, placed the statue of Our Lady of Prompt Succor on a window seat and invoked her intercession with desperation.  Immediately, the wind shifted direction, so that the fire avoided destroying the convent and was more easily extinguished.

The second miracle occurred in 1815 during the Battle of New Orleans, which was treacherously close to the Ursuline convent.  As the canon fire drew closer, the sisters prayed to Our Lady that the American troops would overcome the British forces, which outnumbered them by 9,000 men.  During Mass, the sisters were notified that the British were overcome by a dense fog and wandered into a swamp, leaving the American troops victorious. 

Today, there is a shrine affiliated with Our Lady of Prompt Succor, and most devotees believe her intercession is particularly miraculous in situations where political and spiritual tensions abound.

Appearance to Nancy Fowler, Conyers, GA

From October 13, 1990 to October 13, 1998, housewife Nancy Fowler claimed to receive apparitions and messages from Mary that pertained specifically to the United States.  Most of the messages were warnings, admonitions, or prayers.  Pilgrims from everywhere in the nation flocked to the Conyers, Georgia property, where they awaited the appearance of Mary to Fowler.  When she appeared, devotees would hold up rosaries and all sorts of religious articles, in the hopes that they would be blessed by Mary’s presence.

Pilgrims claimed to have witnessed other miracles that indicated the presence of Our Lady, such as seeing the sun spin, rosaries turning to gold, and the scent of roses in the air during the apparitions.

Appearance to St. Jean Vianney, France

Madame Durie, a wealthy benefactress who decided to donate a large amount of money to the Curé of Ars, entered the presbytery and climbed the stairs to bring the news to St. Jean Vianney.  As she approached his room, she heard two voices.  The first was gentle and sweet, asking, “What do you ask?” to which St. Jean replied, “the conversion of sinners, cure of the sick, and specifically for the cure of a person who has been suffering a long while,” the last of which referred to Mme. Durie.  Mary replied, “She will be cured, but not yet.”

When Mme. Durie overheard this, she opened the door and found the Blessed Mother dressed in a dazzling white robe adorned with golden roses, her hands sparkling like diamonds and head crowned with shining stars.  Mary looked at Mme. Durie and smiled sweetly at her, which provided the greatest consolation Mme. Durie had experienced in her time of need.

Our Lady of the Rock, Sicily, Italy

In 1620, a woman named Rosa traveled to the countryside with her blind daughter, Angelina.  On their journey, an angel first appeared to Angelina, followed by the Blessed Mother.  Mary instructed the girl to enter into a specific place in town and dig up a statue they’d find in the ground.  The girl and her mother did, in fact, find the Marian statue, and Mary then requested that a shrine of sorts be constructed where the statue could be housed and venerated by all.  As a sign of her favor, she granted sight to young Angelina.

Appearance to Blessed Elizabeth Canori Mora, Italy

On Christmas 1816, Elizabeth was praying in her home when the Blessed Mother suddenly appeared to her, carrying baby Jesus in her arms.  Then Elizabeth saw apostates and heretics violently trying to grab Jesus from Mary’s arms, to which Mary explained, “Behold, my daughter, such great ungodliness.”

Mary then told Elizabeth that she asked God for His justice, rather than His mercy, to be poured onto the world.  When the cause for canonization was opened for Elizabeth, despite scrupulous investigations of her mystical writings after the apparition occurred, no doctrinal deviation was discovered.

Blessed Virgin of the Convent and Woodland, Ozegna, Italy

In 1623, a deaf-mute teenage boy named Giovanni Petro was making hay in the countryside when he was privileged to see the Blessed Mother appear to him.  Afterward, he completely regained his speech, and the site became a small but sacred place of pilgrimage.

Our Lady of the Woods, Lombardy, Italy

Three shepherds, one of whom was named Peter, witnessed an apparition of Our Lady near a large chestnut tree in 1617, near the fields where their sheep grazed.  They claimed she rose up and disappeared into the sky, and they never saw her after that.  But as a sign of credibility, the chestnut tree bore fruit out of season.  A chapel was erected there shortly after the apparition.  Others had seen the chestnut tree bathed in a glorious light with celestial music being sung around it.

Our Lady of Liesse, France

Three knights were captured by a Muslim sultan during the First Crusade.  They were tormented in order that they might apostasize.  Even promises of riches and ambition dangled in front of them, but to no avail.  The sultan, angered at his inability to convert the Christian knights, sent his beautiful daughter to entice the young men into submission.  Instead, she returned from their dungeon convinced of the case of Jesus and His Blessed Mother.

A miraculous image, known as Our Lady of Liesse, appeared to the three knights during their captivity, by way of the angels.  When the Muslim princess saw it, she desired immediate conversion and escaped with the three knights to follow through with her wish.  Once she was baptized, the image of Our Lady of Liesse became the basis for a church named in her honor.

What is your favorite Marian apparition? Leave a comment!

About the author.

JEANNIE EWING is a Catholic spirituality writer and national inspirational speaker. Among her eight books, "From Grief to Grace: The Journey from Tragedy to Triumph", is her most popular. She is a frequent guest on podcasts, radio shows, and has appeared on EWTN, CatholicTV, and ShalomWorld. Her deepest desire is to accompany those who suffer and are lonely. Visit her website at jeannieewing.com for more information.

• Posts by Jeannie Ewing

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