The Virgin Of The Poor
Patroness of the Sisters of Mary Communities
In Banneux, Belgium, the Virgin Mary appeared eight times to Mariette Beco in 1933. She called herself the Virgin of the Poor. She pointed to a spring and spoke of relief for suffering and prayer. Our founder, Venerable Fr. Aloysius Schwartz, had a deep devotion to Her, and he, with the Sisters of Mary look to Our Lady of Banneux, the Virgin of the Poor, as their patroness. Her message shapes their life of prayer and service among the poorest children.
Who is the Virgin of the Poor?
On January 15, 1933, in Banneux, Belgium, 11-year-old Mariette Beco witnessed the first apparition of the Virgin of the Poor. In these apparitions, we also know Mary as Our Lady of Banneux. She described seeing a young woman in a white robe with a blue sash, smiling warmly at her. This was the first of eight apparitions in which the Blessed Mother revealed herself as the Virgin of the Poor.
During one apparition, Mary asked Mariette to place her hands in a nearby spring. She said it was “reserved for all nations, to bring comfort to the sick.” Since then, miraculous healings have occurred at the site, making Banneux a beloved pilgrimage destination for people around the world.
Patroness of the Sisters of Mary
The Sisters of Mary honor the Virgin of the Poor as their patroness.
They see her as a living image of their mission: relieve suffering and serve with love.
Our founder, Venerable Aloysius Schwartz, dedicated his life and work to Mary under this title. He carried this devotion into the heart of the Sisters’ spirituality.
Across every Boystown and Girlstown, the Sisters follow Mary’s example through daily fidelity.
- They pray daily for the poor and the sick.
- They live simply, close to the people they serve.
- They form children in faith, hope, and love.
