b'THE PILLAR of the Marianist FamilyBlessed Chaminade drew on the first apparition of the Blessed Mother in his vision for the MarianistsBy Father Oscar Vasquez, SMI eat deal of from visitors and new parishioners: Whatt is with a gr pleasure and a little humility is this OLP? Tell me more. We know thatthat I write this article it is in teaching that you really beginon Our Lady of the Pillar. to learn your subject. Im thankful forAs you know from pre- the questions on OLP that I have vious columns about received because they have promptedthe Blessed Mother, this me to ask: Who is Our Lady of theseries is not intended to Pillar for me and my Marianist Brothers? be an educational piece, First of all, it is essential to say thatbut rather, the authors my Marianist Brothers all have a personalfeelings and experience. With understanding and appreciation for OLPthat being said, I begin thisand what she means in their faith lives, asreflection for you and for myself.well as their lives as Marianist religious. In my early years, I did not knowOur Lady of the Pillar (in Spanish, Nuestramuch, if anything, about Our Lady of Seora del Pilar) is located in Zaragoza, Spain. the Pillar. I knew of her because, Tradition tells us that OLP is recognized as theFather Oscar Vasquez, SM in those days, the Marianist Sisters first Marian apparition in the history of Chris-had a retreat house in San Antonio, tianity and is the only one that happened whilejust off the campus of St. Marys the Virgin Mary was still alive. Tradition helpsUniversity. In joining the Marianists, us to understand and remember that Saint JamesI not only added to my family, butthe Greater, brother of Saint John the Evangelist,I also added to my appreciation for traveled to what is now modern-day Spain toour Blessed Mother under some of evangelize the local people. The story goes thather different titles and the storyJames, in those early years, did not seem to havebehind each. I also have to add that much success in passing on the faith to the localfor several years, Ive had the people. The great animator, Our Blessed Mother,blessing and privilege of minis- accompanied by angels, appeared to him andtering at Chaminade College consoled and encouraged him. Preparatory and Our Lady of It strikes me that in each apparition of thethe Pillar Parish (OLP) on the Blessed Mother, in addition to encouragingsame campus in St. Louis.the person to whom she appears, she has aWith this as background, it petition or request. So, the expression beOur Lady of the Pillar byis natural for me to share these careful of what you ask for is accurate. Sheunknown artist, tin on marble,no date. Courtesy of the Marianreflections with you. At the not only encourages but also has a request orLibrary, University of Dayton. parish, I have heard the question a mission. In the case of Saint James, she asked4Call 1.800.348.4732'