Banneux: Apparitions, History, Messages
From January 15 to March 2, 1933, the Virgin Mary appeared eight times to Mariette Béco, an 11-year-old girl, in Banneux, Belgium. The apparitions of Our Lady of the Poor at Banneux were approved by the Catholic Church in 1949. Pope John Paul II visited the site in 1985.
Discover also the apparitions of Beauraing, also in Belgium, which occurred a few months earlier in 1932.
History of the Apparitions of Our Lady of the Poor at Banneux
Mariette Béco was born on March 25, 1921, the eldest of seven children in a poor family living near Banneux in the Ardennes (Belgium).
January 15, 1933 (7:00 PM): Mariette saw a bright light in her garden and a "Beautiful Lady" who beckoned her. Her mother forbade her to go outside.
January 18: While praying in the garden, Mariette was drawn to a water source. The Lady said: "Push your hands into the water... This spring is reserved for me. Goodnight."
January 19: The Lady revealed her identity: "I am the Virgin of the Poor." She explained the spring was "for all nations, to relieve the sick."
January 20: The Virgin requested "a small chapel"* and blessed Mariette.
February 11: During a group rosary, the Virgin declared: "I come to relieve suffering."
February 15: When asked for a sign, she replied: "Believe in me, I will believe in you. Pray much. Goodbye."
February 20: She urged: "My dear child, pray, pray much."
March 2 (Final Apparition): The Virgin said: "I am the Mother of the Savior, Mother of God. Pray much. Farewell!" and placed her hands on Mariette.
Mariette’s testimony remained consistent and humble. By April 25, 1933, construction began on the chapel. On August 22, 1949, the Bishop of Liège officially recognized the apparitions.
What Happened to Mariette Béco?
As an adult, Mariette faced hardships—her sisters discouraged her from marrying her true love, and her eventual husband exploited her. After a painful divorce, she often prayed alone at night at the apparition site.
Pray with Hozana and Our Lady of Banneux
Pray the Rosary: The Virgin asked for fervent prayer.
.Serve the Poor: Our Lady of the Poor calls us to charity.
.Relieve Suffering: "I come to relieve suffering."
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