Our Lady of Hope is an apparition of Mary that appeared in a small French village of 500 in 1871. During this time, the French and the Prussians were at war. The Prussians had already taken control of two-thirds of France, and Paris was under siege. A small village named Pontmain was the only thing in the way of the oncoming Prussian army and one of France’s major cities, Laval.
It was during this time that a twelve year old boy named Eugène saw Our Lady as he was helping his father in their barn. Eugène had told his family what he had seen, and his father, his ten year old brother, and his neighbor went to look. His father and his neighbor were unable to see Our Lady. His brother, however, was able to see her exactly as Eugène had. They called for the local teacher, a sister named Vitaline. When she arrived, she was unable to see the apparition, so she called for two young girls. Without being told about the apparition, the two girls arrived and were able to describe Our Lady exactly as the boys had. It seemed as though Our Lady was only visible to the children.
The children described a beautiful lady in the night sky wearing a blue gown adorned with stars. She was also wearing a crown with a black veil underneath. Where the children had seen Our Lady, the adults were able to see three stars arranged in a triangle. The word spread quickly in the small village, and soon a large crowd gathered to pray the Rosary. As they prayed, the children said that the stars on Our Lady's gown multiplied until the gown was almost entirely gold. Next, the children saw a banner unfurl beneath Our Lady that said "But pray, my children. God will hear you in time. My Son allows Himself to be touched".
Upon hearing the children read the message aloud, the crowd began to sing a hymn titled "Mother of Hope". As they sang, Our Lady laughed and joined in. When the crowd started singing "My Sweet Jesus", however, Our Lady appeared to have a profoundly sad expression. Afterwards, the crowd sang "Ave Maris Stella" and her smile returned, though with a hint of melancholy. After three hours, when the night's prayers had come to an end, Our Lady disappeared behind a cloud.
Strangely, that same evening, the general of the Prussian army had received orders from his commander to not take the city of Laval. That morning, the general told his troops that they could not go any further west because "There is an invisible 'Madonna' barring the way." Six days later, on January 23rd, an armistice was signed.
Prayer to Our Lady of Hope
Most gracious Virgin Mary, by your apparition at Pontmain, you remind us of the importance of prayer, you fortified in our hearts the hope and trust in God, and you gave us peace.
Listen now with favor to our fervent prayers, so that peace may be restored in our hearts, In our families, in our country and in all nations: PEACE, the fruit of justice, truth and charity.
Inflame in our souls the wish to live fully our Christian faith, without any compromise, in all circumstances of our life.
Help us to understand our brethren and to love them in God from the depth of our hearts. Amen.
