Our Lady of the Fire
Forli, Italy (1428)
During the night of February 3-4, 1428, fire broke out in a school in Forli, and burned for a few days.
The townspeople discovered amongst the refuse and ashes a woodcut of the Virgin and Child venerated by the students. By order of the city governor and the papal legate, the miraculous was placed in the cathedral the next Sunday.
In 1636, a side aisle chapel was built from marble and dedicated to Our Lady of Fire in the cathedral.
Throughout the region, reproductions of this image can be seen on doorways and carts as a protection against fire.
The Madonna of Fire is the patron of Forli, where her feast lasts from February 4 to the nearest Sunday. The city is ablaze with yellow acacias, and everywhere are sold loaves of sweet bread with raisins.
Text and image used with permission.
Source: "365 Days with Mary" by Michael O'Neill
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