09 FEB - OUR MOTHER OF THE BELLS (FRANCE)

 The town of Saintes, France was originally a thriving settlement in ancient Gaul located along the Charente River. The town takes its name, Saintes, 

    due to Mary Salome and Mary Jacob were forced to flee the Holy Land about the year 45 AD. They left taking a boat with no sail and were miraculously transported across 

    the Mediterranean Sea, making land near the place which became known as Saintes Maries de la Mer and considered a holy place. 

    This tradition was carried on by the Celts and then the Romans. It is recorded, on the octave day of the Purification, the bells in the Cathedral of Saintes, 

    rang out most sweetly of themselves. The sacristans, having run to the Church, saw what appeared to be several unknown men holding lighted candles and melodiously 

    chanting hymns in honor of the Blessed Virgin, Our Mother of the Bells, who was venerated in a Chapel of this Church. Approaching softly, 

    the men who had run to the Church to give them one in proof of the miracle they had witnessed. The light-bearers graciously complied. 

    This candle in remembrance of Our Mother of the Bells, is said to be preserved in that Church up to this day.





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