Blessed Mother

The Woman in the Trees – New Marian Fiction

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The Woman in the Trees

The Woman in the Trees:

A novel about America’s first approved Marian apparition

by Theoni Bell

About the book:

Set within the expanses of the American frontier, The Woman in the Trees follows Slainie, an inquisitive pioneer girl, whose life is forever transformed when a mysterious seer shows up at her door. Amidst the backdrop of the Civil War, family tragedy, and the nation’s most destructive wildfire, Slainie must navigate her rugged pioneer life as she encounters love and loss, and comes face to face with the story of America’s first approved Marian apparition.

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Seven Quick Takes Friday

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Seven Quick Takes Friday

Lourdes Grotto Edition

Short of a schedule conflict, my husband attends an annual Catholic men’s retreat at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Families are welcome to join the retreatants for Mass on Sunday morning at the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. Situated on a wooden hillside above the university and seminary campus, the Lourdes Grotto includes paved paths lined by depictions of the mysteries of the Rosary, the Stations of the Cross, and numerous statues. With its wildflowers, natural spring, towering trees, and native Mountain laurel, it’s one of my favorite places.

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The Giant Mary Statue

This towering statue of Our Lady, visible from Route 15 once you cross the border from Pennsylvania into Maryland, is a sight to behold. She towers over the treetops with outstretched arms, beckoning to passersby below.Giant Mary Statue

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