Our Lady of Mariazell

Magna Mater Austriae

Austria's main Marian shrine, a pilgrimage destination in Central Europe. Its name, "Mary's cell," recalls the small chapel where it originated in the 12th century.

Origin and history

The tradition places the origin in 1157: the Benedictine monk Magnus, of the abbey of St. John's. Lambrecht, sent to Styria, was arrested by a large rock in the forest. He had a small image of the Virgin with him; after placing it and asking for help, the rock opened, and in thanks he built a cell for the image. Hence the name Maria Zell"Mary's cell."

From the Middle Ages, the site became a major pilgrimage center for Austrians, Hungarians, and Bohemians, promoted by the House of Habsburg. Today, it welcomes nearly a million pilgrims annually. The image of the Virgin and Child is venerated as "Magna Mater Austriae," Great Mother of Austria.

Mariazell and the Rosary Crusade that liberated Austria

Mariazell is attached to one of the most amazing episodes of the Rosary in the 20th century. It was here, praying before the Magna Mater Austriae 2 February 1946, where the Franciscan Peter Pavlicek He heard the inner voice "Do as I say and there will be peace." From that grace the Crusade of the Rosary of ExpiationFor years, on the 13th of each month, the Austrians went out in procession with their Marian images praying the Rosary for the freedom of their homeland, then occupied by the Soviets. In 1955, against all prognosis, the Red Army peacefully withdrew from Austria - the only case of the Cold War - and the people lived it as a gift of the Virgin. Read the full story here..