Our Lady of the Bowed Head

Our Lady of the Bowed Head

In 1610, in Vienna, Austria, the Venerable Dominic of Jesus was drawn to find this picture of Our Lady in a pile of garbage in an old house which he wanted to convert into a monastery. He was saddened by the neglect of the image and carefully cleaned it, hung it in his cell and prayed to it with great confidence.

One evening as he was dusting the picture, it became animated. Our Lady smiled at the priest in thanksgiving for his attention. After interceding for the release of Dominic's benefactor from purgatory she said, "I would like you to ask Me for more favours and blessings. I am the Mother of God and I delight in helping my children to obtain graces for their salvation."

Dominic selflessly asked Our Lady to please listen to the petitions of all those who honour Her image. Our Lady responded, "All those who ask for my protection and honour this picture with devotion will obtain an answer to their prayers and will receive many graces. And I will pay special attention to the prayers which are offered to Me, for the relief of the souls in Purgatory."

Since Our Lady's promise was to all who would honour her, Dominic decided to display the picture publicly in a church. The Oratory of St. Charles, which was attached to the Church of Santa Maria de la Scale became the home of Our Lady of the Bowed Head.