Great Mother of Austria
Mariazell, Austria (1157)
There are three legends about the the “Magna Mater Austria”, a 48 cm tall statuette made of linden.
In 1157, a monk named Magnus was sent into town as a minister. When his way was blocked by a rock, he set down the statue and the rock broke apart clearing the way. On a nearby bank, he built a chapel and living quarters.
The second legend relates how Henry Margrave of Moravia and his wife, having been healed through the help of Our Lady of Mariazell made a pilgrimage to that place around 1200.
They built the first stone church on the site of the wooden chapel.
The third legend recounts Hungarian King Ludwig I victory over the Turkish army. Out of gratitude he built the gothic church.
Text and image used with permission.
Source: "365 Days with Mary" by Michael O'Neill
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