A January Victory

Did you know that the Blessed Virgin Mary is credited with a great American victory in the War of 1812? 

In January of 1814, nearly 20,000 seasoned British troops in 50 ships moved to attack New Orleans, which was defended by General Andrew Jackson and a straggling group of 6,000 militiamen.

"The people of New Orleans were terrified by the might of the enemy. They filled the churches and begged Heaven to help them. The Ursuline nuns promised Our Lady of Prompt Succor that if the Americans won the battle a Solemn High Mass would be offered in her honor every year on [the anniversary of the battle]. 

"In just twenty-five minutes the battle was over. The British suffered tremendous casualties...New Orleans was saved. Louisiana still belonged to the United States, and our country was free to expand to the west in a movement that eventually took us all the way to the Pacific."

~ Don Sharkey, The Woman Shall Conquer, imprimatur 1951.

"General Jackson did not hesitate to admit of a divine intervention on his behalf and went in person, together with his staff, to thank the Ursulines for their prayers and to express his appreciation to Our Lady of Prompt Succor."

~ Joan Carroll Cruz, Miraculous Images of Our Lady.

Today let us think on this 1960 prayer, asking the Blessed Mother of God to watch over us:

"O Mary, Mother of God, who amid the tribulations of the world, watches over us and over the Church of Your Son, be to us and to the Church, truly, Our Lady of Prompt Succor; make haste to help us in all our necessities, that in this fleeting life You may be our succor, and obtain for us ---(here ask the particular favor you desire) ---. Help us to gain life everlasting through the merits of Jesus, Your Son, Our Lord and Redeemer. Amen.