Something About The Virgin Mary, Mother Of Perpetual Help

Mario, from Italy - "The Virgin is strictly connected to St James and to the pilgrims. In Spain and the Hispanic world she is called Our Lady of the Pilar (pilar meaning pillar, column). She is the Patroness of Spain. She appeared in early Christianity about the year 40 AD when James was preaching for the evangelisation of the Roman province of Hispagna, the present Spain and Portugal. He was having a difficult time, discouraged for the progress of his mission. Mary appeared to St James in that particular difficult time in a vision. She was standing on a pillar, accompanied by angels, and she assured James that eventually the land would be converted to the faith, a faith as strong as the column she was standing on. For us pilgrims this image is very present, particularly when we are walking the Way of Santiago, experiencing spiritual and physical difficulty. The Lady of Pillar has become a companion, walking with us and looking after us with the same care and dedication as she has been looking after St James