SaintsforSinners.com

The story of Our Lady of Prompt Succor took place long ago in New Orleans. Louisiana. In 1727, French Ursuline Nuns created area schools. In 1763, Louisiana became a Spanish territory and all was well until 1800 when the land reverted back to France. Soon after, in 1803, Mother Andre Madier wrote a family member in France, Mother Michel, and asked for more teachers from France but the Bishop declined the request because he was in the middle of the French Revolution. Mother Michel asked to appeal to the Pope. It seemed her appeal would be denied since the Pope was imprisoned by Napoleon, but Mother asked anyway. She also prayed to the Virgin Mary, promising to honor her as “Our Lady of Prompt Succor” if she would intercede quickly and get the Pope to grant her request. Amazingly, in little over a month’s time, her request was granted. Mother Michel had a statue erected in 1810 and brought it to New Orleans where it remains today. A fire threatened the Church in 1812 but by praying to Our Lady of Prompt Succor the fire curiously changed its path and the Church and statue were saved. In New Orleans, it is still customary to pray to Our Lady of Prompt Succor for “quick help” and for aid before, during, and after hurricanes.

© 2005