National Holiday, "Nuestra Senora de Mercedes"

In 1494 while Columbus was fighting with the Taino "Indians" for control of the island, the Virgin supposedly appeared to the Spaniard soldiers.

Columbus led an inland expedition to round up Tainos to give to his men as slaves. A large company of natives from the valley below attacked his troops here and supposedly the fight was not going well for the Spaniards until Columbus raised a large, wooden cross on the hill; an apparition of the Virgin perched atop it, and the emboldened Europeans slaughtered the enemy. (cited from the Dominican Republic Rough Guide, 2000)

The apparition became known as "Nuestra Senora de Mercedes", our lady of mercies. This story is celebrated every September 24 as a national holiday. Ninety five percent of Dominicans still consider themselves Roman Catholic. People flock to the sight of the apparition and worship the virgin as the patron saint of the island.

Please pray for us that we may have many more opportunities to witness to the people here and bring them the joy of the True Savior, Christ Jesus. He does not come to us in dreams and visions, but choses to come to us in the very real and tangible message of the Gospel, found in His Word and Sacraments.

(submitted by Kathy Strackbein)

The Lord bless you with his true Peace in Jesus,
NW