Our Lady
Our Lady of the Pillar
Title of the Blessed Virgin Mary · Feast October 12
Mary venerated at Zaragoza in Spain, where ancient tradition holds she appeared to the Apostle Saint James while still living, standing upon a pillar of jasper.
Origin
Pious tradition records that around AD 40 the Blessed Virgin came to encourage Saint James the Greater as he evangelized Spain, leaving a marble pillar on which her image is still venerated in the basilica at Zaragoza — among the oldest of all Marian shrines.
Why it matters
Honoring Mary's maternal care for the Church's mission, the title celebrates her as the firm pillar and support of the faith in times of trial.
Feast day
October 12