Some many faith dots connected

Today is the feast day of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. He is just one of the litany of saints that I have encountered in at least some way in the blizzard of pilgrimages I have been on in the last year.

During that time, I have been to at least 8 sites directly connected to miraculous events. One of them was the mountain chapel and village of Rocamadour home of the miraculous image of the Black Madonna.

It was in this magnificent place that Saint Bernard penned one of the grandest prayers in the history of our Catholic faith: The Memorare.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen