05th May - OUR MOTHER OF EUROPE (GIBRALTAR)

 The image of Our Mother of Europe and Patroness of Gibraltar, is a wood carving approximately two feet high and beautifully polychromed which dates back to the end of the fifth 

    century. The capture of Gibraltar by the Spaniards from the Moors dates from 1462. Then subsequent to his conquest the Christians won the battle against the enemies last 

    stronghold in Europe. In thanksgiving, the people of Gibraltar converted the place at Europa Point into a Christian shrine in honour of the Mother of Christ, 

    venerating her as Our Mother of Europe and placing the whole of Europe under her protection. A statue of Our Mother sitting on a simple chair and holding the Child was carved 

    and placed in the Shrine.To the Kings of Spain, the Duke of Gibraltar and the people, the Rock was very much the Key to the kingdoms of East and West. 

    The devotion to Our Mother of Europe spread far and wide. Statues similar to the original image were carved and Bishops all over the Iberian Peninsula granted generous 

    indulgences to those who invoked the Mother of Christ as Our Mother of Europe and numerous miracles were attributed to Her. 

    The Shrine thus became a place of pilgrimage. Even ships passing the Strait paid homage to Her by sea captains and generals on their way to battle would stop and pray at the Shrine.





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