October 8 + Our Lady of Good Remedy

Devotion to Mary under the title of Our Lady of Good Remedy began over 800 years ago. Muslim fleets would seize Catholic ships, and capture all of the men, women, and children. They were sold into slavery by the thousands. Catholics lived in constant fear of being hauled off into slavery. The women were taken off and placed into Muslim harems. It was a serious problem for which no one seemed to have the answer.

In 1198, John of Matha (who became a Saint) founded the Trinitarians, or Brothers of the Holy Trinity, with the mission to uphold the freedom of all people. John entrusted to the Trinitarians the task of freeing the Christian slaves. They would go into the slave markets, buy the Christian slaves, and set them free. Of course, this required large sums of money, and so they placed their fundraising efforts under the patronage of Mary.

With Mary’s help, the Trinitarians were so successful that, over the centuries, they were able to free thousands of people and return them safely home.

In order to show his gratitude and give honor to Mary for her powerful intercession, John gave Mary the title “Our Lady of Good Remedy.” The Our Lady of Good Remedy devotion spread widely throughout Europe and Latin America and eventually October 8 was marked as the Feast of Our Lady of Good Remedy. It’s been celebrated on that day ever since.

In spite of being over 800 years old, devotion to Our Lady of Good Remedy is very timely indeed. Slavery still exists in many forms all over the world. Christian persecution is slavery in the real sense of the word. But there are also those who are enslaved in poverty, chronic illness, disability, abusive relationships, mental illness, fear, anger, and of course sin. When in need - for whatever reason, but especially where you have had difficulty obtaining help - invoke the aid of Our Lady of Good Remedy as she has the intercessory power to achieve freedom.