Thursday of this week we will all be enjoying a National Holiday as we celebrate Thanksgiving Day, this year, November 27th.  The 27th of November is also the feast of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.  It would appear appropriate as well to offer thanks to God for this particular feast day honoring the revelation of the Mother of His Son as “The Immaculate Conception.”  It was in 1830 in the convent of the Sisters of Charity in Paris that Our Lady appeared on three separate occasions to the novice Sister Catherine Laboure giving her a mission in revealing the design of the Miraculous  Medal, and then requesting that she inform the world of this medal and prayer attached: “O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”  You will want to use this prayer especially tomorrow along with the Angelus and frequently in the coming days as we prepare to celebrate the great feast day of the Immaculate Conception of the BVM on December 8th, with Mass at Saint James at 6:30 in the evening.  Remember, too, with thanksgiving Our Lady’s Shrine at Walsingham and all who care for the Holy House there in providing welcome and hospitality for all pilgrims who come to visit and pray.