On 198th anniversary of Battle of New Orleans, Our Lady of Prompt Succor’s protection invoked

Archbishop Gregory Aymond, left, delivered the homily at a Mass of Thanksgiving at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor in honor of the 198th anniversary of the U.S. victory in the 1815 Battle of New Orleans. The archbishop said the Ursuline sisters and other New Orleanians kept a prayer vigil  to Our Lady of Prompt Succor on the eve of the battle, and the American forces were victorious despite facing a large, well-trained British force.
Today, Archbishop Aymond said, the New Battle of New Orleans against violence, murder and racism requires both prayer and action. “How much blood has been shed on these streets?” Archbishop Aymond asked. “So often, innocent children are killed by stray bullets. There is a darkness, but there is hope. We must go to Mary as they did in 1815. It will take prayer and fasting, but we can win this battle.” In remarks at the close of Mass, Ursuline Sister Carla Dolce said the shrine is in desperate need of physical repair – including a new roof and waterproofing. To donate or to get more information, call 596-3063 or visit www.shrineofourladyofpromptsuccor.com