Today, May 8, the Lasallian Family celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of the Star — Queen, Mother, and Universal Patroness of the Christian Schools.
According to tradition, in the year 1060, two Benedictine monks travelling near the coast of Normandy discovered a beautiful place overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. During the night, one monk, Brother Roger, lost sight of his companion after the sea carried away the boat where he rested. In his sorrow, Brother Roger invoked the help of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In a dream, he saw a star falling from heaven, setting the forest ablaze, while a voice — the voice of Mary — asked him to build a shrine in her honor on that very place. In obedience, Brother Roger built a small hut which, over time, became a chapel, then an abbey, and eventually a great center of Marian devotion known as “Our Lady of the Star.”
Centuries later, despite destruction and abandonment brought about by political and religious turmoil, the site was restored. In 1938, the Abbey of Montebourg was entrusted to the Brothers of the Christian Schools. On May 1, 1960, during the ninth centenary of the Abbey’s foundation, Pope John XXIII officially proclaimed Our Lady of the Star as “Queen and Mother and Universal Patroness of the Christian Schools.”
The image of Our Lady was solemnly crowned with a golden crown, sceptre, and the crown of the Child Jesus — gifts made possible through the generosity of students from Lasallian schools in Mexico.
As we celebrate her feast today, may Our Lady of the Star continue to guide the Lasallian mission, illuminating our path with faith, hope, and zeal for service.
The image posted is a Filipinized rendition of Our Lady of the Star by Kevin Angelo Eguia, alumnus of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.
Our Lady of the Star, pray for us.
