We celebrated the Assumption as an external solemnity, since the Saturday feast was not kept as an Obligation Day this year. First, we note that this week and octave of the Assumption is the most important week of the year for Marian devotion - it is an octave in which we must celebrate with Mary and grow closer to her.
We consider the only approved Marian apparition in the USA - Our Lady of Champion. Mary appeared to Adele Brice on 9 October 1859, asking her to teach catechism to the children of the region. Twelve years later (8 Oct 1871) was the horrific Peshtigo fire - but the shrine and all there were saved.
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