Our Lady of La Vang

In 1798, while hiding from persecution in a dense jungle forest of La Vang, Viet Nam, a small group of Catholics met every night at a large tree to pray the Rosary. One night, Our Lady appeared in the branches, wearing a traditional Vietnamese dress and holding the baby Jesus. Our Lady comforted them and told them to boil leaves from the trees for medicine to cure the illness they had gotten from living in the jungle. Solemnly she added, “From this day on, prayers said on this spot will be heard – and answered.” In 1802 the Christians returned to their villages, passing on the story of the apparition in La Vang and its message. As the story of the apparition spread, many came to pray at this site. Despite decades of cruel persecution and martyrdom, the Catholic faith grew to include millions of followers in Vietnam. Our Lady of La Vang continues to inspire those who suffer for their faith. Her feast day is August 22.     Original is acrylic on canvas.   IMPORTANT: Each of the 3 sizes i