To Monte Cassino, our dear Lady's shrine, we pilgrims come asking for blessings divine

In the later part of 1870, when Ulysses S. Grant was president, smallpox had broken out and was spreading quickly in southern Indiana. Many in villages nearby the monastery and seminary had died over the Christmas season. Four men from St. Meinrad had also died.

The students and monks of St. Meinrad at the time, fearful of losing their lives, turned to Mary. They set out on pilgrimage to the top of a hill not far from the monastery and seminary.

Along the way, they prayed. Once they reached the top of the hill, a votive Mass was offered at the current church building.

All were spared.

Every year, we continue this tradition and process to the shrine of Our Lady of Monte Cassino in thanksgiving for her protection and care, and in petition that we might continue to receive her healing touch.

Our Lady is the Mediatrix of grace, and so we ask her to pour forth that grace upon us.

Here's the opening hymn from this morning's Mass:

To Monte Cassino, our dear Lady's shrine,
We pilgrims come, asking for blessings divine.
O Mary our Mother behold at thy feet
Thy confident children, who thee now will greet.

Thou health of the ailing, come heal all our ills,
Come, dry sorrow's tear that our eye so oft fills,
O refuge of sinners, fling over us wide
The folds of thy mantle that there we may hide.

Thus under thy guidance, thou bright morning star,
We'll journey toward heaven, till gleaming afar,
We see that bright city where all for us wait
Who reached that safe haven through thee, heaven's gate.





Pictures thanks to Doug Hunter and John Honiotes.

mk