Thread by @penn_williamE

In 1871, the Prussian army marched toward a French village.

Then came the General's sudden words:
“We can go no farther. There is an invisible Madonna barring the way.”

This is what happened at Pontmain🧵:

The Franco-Prussian War had devastated France. By January 1871, Paris was under siege.

The Prussian army pushed deeper into western France, nearing the small village of Pontmain. Panic set in.

(Hilaire, Notre-Dame de Pontmain, 1872)

On the evening of January 17, two brothers, Eugène (12) and Joseph Barbedette (10), noticed a Lady above their family’s barn.

She wore a dark blue robe studded with golden stars, a black veil, and a crown of light. She smiled but said nothing.

(Abbaye Saint-Pierre de Solesmes, 1872 report)

Neighbors gathered. Adults saw nothing, but more children began to describe the same vision.

The Lady extended her hands outward in welcome. The children reported she radiated peace.

(Église de Pontmain archives, eyewitness accounts, 1871)

As the villagers prayed the Rosary and sang hymns, words appeared in the sky on a banner:

"But pray, my children. God will hear you in a little while. My Son lets Himself be touched."

(Official diocesan inquiry, 1872)

The apparition continued as the crowd prayed. Mary’s face grew more joyful.

A large red crucifix appeared in her hands. Then, after three hours, the vision slowly faded away.

(Hilaire, Notre-Dame de Pontmain, 1872)

That same night, 15 miles away, the Prussian army inexplicably halted its march.

General von Schmidt, poised to take Laval, gave the order: “We can go no farther. There is an invisible Madonna barring the way.”

(Barbier, Histoire de la guerre de 1870–71, vol. 2)

Days later, the armistice was signed. Pontmain and its surrounding region were spared the horrors of war.

The villagers attributed their deliverance to the Virgin’s promise.

(Diocese of Laval, official archives)

The local bishop, Casimir Wicart, ordered an investigation.

After interviewing witnesses under oath, he declared the apparition authentic in 1872. Pope Pius XI granted formal papal approval in 1932.

(Acta Apostolicae Sedis, 1932)

At Pontmain, Mary gave no secrets, no prophecies. Only a simple plea: Pray, my children.

Heaven heard. The Prussians stopped. The war ended.

Pontmain remains a shrine of peace where prayer turned back an army.

With every post and research, I'm reminded how beautiful our tradition is. Let's celebrate it together!

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