T
Thomas48
Guest
Dear Friends,
Tomorrow begins the Ettu Noyambu or the Eight Day Lent of Mother Mary for Syrian Christians. It is a wonderful period of lent from September 1-8, in which we honor Martha Mariam and pray for her intercession. The origins behind this tradition are as follows-
In the sixth century, there was a town called Heera near Bazra, which was predominantly a Christian township. The Caliph of Baghdad captured this town and appointed a fanatic Muslim governor, who implemented the Caliph’s every dictum with fervour. The Caliph was known to be cruel and had a weakness for beautiful women. He was enamored by the beauty and charm of the womenfolk of Heera and decided to reach there in three days. The whole town was in agony. The chastity and modesty of the womenfolk of Heera were at stake. The helpless and hapless menfolk were in bewilderment as to how to tide over this fiery test.
At last they found refuge in Mother Mary and rushed to the church of St. Mary. The priest declared an uncompromising lent for 3 days invoking the intercession of Mother Mary. On the 3rd day, in the middle of the Holy Qurbono, a golden beam of light flashed down from above, illuminated the Holy of Holies and then spread to the whole church.
It is said that the priest had a vision of Mother Mary and also heard her saying, “Do not be afraid; peace be to you – Rejoice. The Caliph is no more. Tribulations are over”.
The priest then turned to the people and they could see an aura around the priests face as he pronounced the message of the Mother. The whole congregation praised the Lord and thanked Mother for her intercessory prayers.
The womenfolk then decided to observe a lent for 8 days (i.e from the 1st to the 8th of September in commemoration of this event). They believed that Mother Mary helped safeguard their chastity, modesty and dignity.
She is our Mother, who cares, helps and loves us and intercedes for us at all times.
Source: stmaryprotectress.blogspot.com/2008/09/history-behind-beginning-of-8-day-lent.html
http://www.reocities.com/heartland/2073/ihm.jpg
Tomorrow begins the Ettu Noyambu or the Eight Day Lent of Mother Mary for Syrian Christians. It is a wonderful period of lent from September 1-8, in which we honor Martha Mariam and pray for her intercession. The origins behind this tradition are as follows-
In the sixth century, there was a town called Heera near Bazra, which was predominantly a Christian township. The Caliph of Baghdad captured this town and appointed a fanatic Muslim governor, who implemented the Caliph’s every dictum with fervour. The Caliph was known to be cruel and had a weakness for beautiful women. He was enamored by the beauty and charm of the womenfolk of Heera and decided to reach there in three days. The whole town was in agony. The chastity and modesty of the womenfolk of Heera were at stake. The helpless and hapless menfolk were in bewilderment as to how to tide over this fiery test.
At last they found refuge in Mother Mary and rushed to the church of St. Mary. The priest declared an uncompromising lent for 3 days invoking the intercession of Mother Mary. On the 3rd day, in the middle of the Holy Qurbono, a golden beam of light flashed down from above, illuminated the Holy of Holies and then spread to the whole church.
It is said that the priest had a vision of Mother Mary and also heard her saying, “Do not be afraid; peace be to you – Rejoice. The Caliph is no more. Tribulations are over”.
The priest then turned to the people and they could see an aura around the priests face as he pronounced the message of the Mother. The whole congregation praised the Lord and thanked Mother for her intercessory prayers.
The womenfolk then decided to observe a lent for 8 days (i.e from the 1st to the 8th of September in commemoration of this event). They believed that Mother Mary helped safeguard their chastity, modesty and dignity.
She is our Mother, who cares, helps and loves us and intercedes for us at all times.
Source: stmaryprotectress.blogspot.com/2008/09/history-behind-beginning-of-8-day-lent.html
http://www.reocities.com/heartland/2073/ihm.jpg