$150.00 - Luxembourg American Heritage Information Center

In 1676, the citizenry of Luxembourg chose the Blessed Virgin Mary as their patroness
under the title of "Consoler of the Afflicted."
Throughout history, the City of Luxembourg, a natural fortress, was a coveted target of the
great military powers surrounding the Grand Duchy. The shrine to Our Lady became a place
of refuge and of hope for the Luxembourg people. As wars continued, there was constant
danger that the entire country of Luxembourg would be annihilated and assimilated by one
of the great powers of Europe. For three centuries devotions to Mary continued, reaching an
annual climax during the "Octave," the week between the fourth and fifth Sunday after Easter,
when people from every village and town make a pilgrimage to Mary's Shrine in the Cathedral
in Luxembourg City.
Left to Right: Consul Steve Heinz, Prince Henri and Consul General
NIC Co//ing at the 1978 reception for His Highness.
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