Today, the world continues to be full of tumult and pain, and our need for the perfect peace of Christ is apparent. Our Lady Queen of Peace desires to bring us this peace!
Who is Our Lady Queen of Peace?
On his wedding day, Jean de Joyeuse wanted to give his bride a powerful gift.
After some prayer, Jean de Joyeuse commissioned a statue for his bride, a beautiful statue of Our Lady. This was not the usual depiction of Our Lady. Instead of a traditional depiction, this Madonna statue featured Our Lady gently grasping an olive branch with one hand while her other hand supported Christ under the title of the Prince of Peace.
Eventually, the statue made its way into the ownership of his grandson Henri Joyeuse. Henri, a devout and prayerful man, joined the Capuchin Franciscans in Paris, and out of devotion to Our Lady Queen of Peace, he brought his family’s statue with him on his journey. For the next 200 years, the Capuchin monastery in Paris had the particular honor of being home to Our Lady Queen of Peace.
Statue of Our Lady Queen of Peace at the University of Bonn
While in the Capuchins’ care, the statue of Our Lady Queen of Peace was pivotal in several key moments for France. While the nation was being plagued with the heresy of Jansenism, King Louis XIV made a personal visit to the Capuchins to present the statue of Our Lady Queen of Peace with a crown and to place the faith of France under her protection. Tradition holds that the influence of Jansenism decreased greatly in France after this act of entrustment to Our Lady of Peace.
During the French Revolution, the Capuchins were driven from their monastery. Despite being forced to flee with almost nothing, the Capuchins insisted that they bring Our Lady Queen of Peace. The Capuchins and the statue went into hiding and miraculously remained safe from the violent revolution.
In the 20th century, as World War I raged on, Pope Benedict XV was inspired by the history of this statue of Our Lady Queen of Peace and felt called to add this Marian title to the Litany of Loreto. Throughout those tumultuous years of war, he continued to urge the faithful to pray to Our Lady Queen of Peace for her intercession and for the restoration of peace throughout the world.
Peace in the world begins in our own homes. This St.Benedict Home Blessing offers a tangible symbol of protection and faith for your home. Purchase yours in time for the New Year blessing at The Catholic Company!
