Our Lady of Macerata

It was the year 1447 and all of Italy was being attacked by a new enemy - the plague. The casualties surpassed the numbers lost in any war. The citizens of Italy were dying by the thousands, as the pestilence spread from city to city and village to village. No one was safe! The plague was nearing Macerata's borders, when the citizens of the town decided to call a Town Council meeting. They knew that only the intercession of the Mother of God could save them. It was decided they would turn to Our Lady of Mercy and as part of their supplications to Her, build a Chapel in Her honor in 24 hours. So, the Town Council actually made this decree!
The Feast of the Assumption, August 15th was chosen as the day construction would start and finish. Everyone in the town participated in the endeavor - strong and weak, young and old, men and women, children, all pitched in to build this church dedicated to their Mother Mary, believing She would hear their prayers and answer them. People of great faith, they worked as if the favor had already been granted. The nobility rolled up their sleeves and worked beside their servants. Peasants, members of the Town Council, clergy, religious, all carried supplies to the construction site of the little church. It was not a work of desperation, as one might think, but a joyous occasion, with music and food and wine - all rubbing elbows together with one goal - one heart, one mind, one spirit. In twenty-four hours, the little Chapel was completed. The town had honored their Mother!
And what did Our Lady do? Our Lady of Mercy came through! As a reward for Her children's faith, She intervened with Her Son, and a wall of protection encircled the city. The enemy's army of infection and deadly disease was halted practically at their gates, and the town was spared from the ravages of the plague