Our Lady of the Founders
Mt. Athos, Greece (1st c.)
According to Sacred Tradition, three days after she fell asleep, the Blessed Virgin rose from the dead and ascended to heaven in body. During her ascent, she gave her Holy Belt to the Apostle Thomas. The Holy Belt, according to tradition, was made by the Blessed Virgin Mary with camel leather. The Empress Zoe, wife of Leo VI the Wise, in gratitude for a miraculous healing, embroidered the belt with gold thread, as seen today.
A thirteen-century legend establishes that this relic was brought to Prato, Italy, around 1141 by a merchant named Michael. He kept it secret for years until his death in about 1172, when he gave it to the Parish Church of San Esteban. The reconstructed church still retains the relic.
Text and image used with permission.
Source: "365 Days with Mary" by Michael O'Neill
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