On this second day of Advent, we can reflect on the quiet and abiding nature of Mary. She demonstrated the utmost care and affection for the Infant Lord and through the ages, and apparitions over the centuries, she has continued to intervene in human history primarily through engaging with children.
The miracles that occurred in Stevensville, Montana, at what is now the historic St. Mary’s Mission, are no different.
The first miracle occurred in the mid nineteenth century. There was a young boy, Little Paul, who yearned to be baptized, but was unable to learn his prayers or catechism. One night, he entered the house of the catechist, only to find Our Lady there instead. In an instant, his heart was cleared and he knew all his prayers. Our Lady later returned to him in a dream noting how pleased she was that the missionaries had named the town after her. This apparition and the testimony of the boy led to the conversion of many Indigenous persons across the region.
The second Marian miracle is attributed to the site of the church itself. St. Mary’s was constructed over the burial site of “Little Mary.” Unbeknownst to the missionaries at the time the church was built, this young girl had been buried there following a dying request for emergency baptism. After receiving the sacrament, she had a vision of Heaven, with Mary waiting to greet her, and Little Mary conveyed to the Indigenous tribes around her a heavenly instruction to follow the teachings of the Black robes, prophesying that on this very spot where she died, a church would one day be built.
Discover Catholic Montana
To learn more about historic St. Mary Mission and other Catholic sites across the great state of Montana, visit the guide to Catholic Montana here.
Concluding Psalm
As we conclude this reflection and contemplate Mary’s abiding love, an excerpt from Psalm is appropriate:
“But I, through the abundance of your mercy, “But I, through the abundance of your mercy, will enter into your house. I will bow down toward your holy sanctuary out of fear of you. Lord, guide me in your justice because of my foes; make straight your way before me.” (Psalm 5: 8-9)
Previous days of the pilgrimage:
Day 1 – Rapid City, South Dakota
CATHOLIC CONCIERGE 
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