Nostra Signora delle Colombe / Our Lady of the Doves (Bologna, Italy) – 10 February:
While the Pilgrim Virgin Statue was touring Europe, three snow-white doves came unexpectedly as the procession passed through a tiny village. No-one could be identified as their owner and they did not seem to be lost. They settled at the feet of the Madonna – soft, white doves, at home with Mary.
Day by day, as the pilgrimage drew near its destination of Bologna, Italy, the doves stayed on. They left the Statue only for short flights and never all at once. No minute passed that at least one of them was not at Our Lady’s feet.
When the procession neared the Cathedral where the Statue was to be enthroned, conjecture was made about the possible action of the doves. Eager eyes watched them as strong arms carried the Madonna to her pedestal in the Sanctuary. Softly, the doves hovered over, undisturbed by the noisy devotion of the crowd of Latin enthusiasts for Our Lady.
When the Statue was finally set firmly and left free to them once more, the doves returned to their resting place, as before, at the feet of Mary.
High Mass began at once. Through all the singing and incensing and preaching, the birds remained, watchful but not alarmed. Only as the Mass reached its climax at the Consecration did they stir. Then, as if by instinct, they left the Statue and flew to the Altar. Upon the high Crucifix they perched for the rest of the Mass.
Then, at the “Ite Missa est,” with one accord they flew from the Church and vanished. The doves of Mary had escorted her, Our Lady of the Doves, to the palace of the King.
Earthly royalty selects eagles for insignia. Mary, Queen of Peace and Mother of the Prince of Peace, selects doves. This type of incident has occurred several times, at a variety of different locations, in recent history.
St Scholastica (c482-547) (Memorial)
About this twin of St Benedict:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/02/10/saint-of-the-day-10-february-st-scholastica/
Bl Alexander of Lugo
Blessed Alojzije/Aloysius Cardinal Stepinac (1898–1960) Martyr
About: https://anastpaul.com/2019/02/10/saint-of-the-day-10-february-blessed-aloysius-stepinac-1898-1960/
St Andrew of Bethlehem
St Aponius of Bethlehem
St Austrebertha of Pavilly OSB (630–704) Abbess
St St Baldegundis
St Baptus of Magnesia
Bl Catherine du Verdier de la Sorinière
St Charalampias
Bl Clare Agolanti of Rimini
St Desideratus of Clermont
St Erluph of Werden
Bl Eusebia Palomino Yenes
Bl Hugh of Fosse
St JosĂ© Sánchez del RĂo “Joselito” (1913-1928) Martyr
Biography:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/02/10/saint-of-the-day-10-february-st-jose-sanchez-del-rio-joselito-1913-1928-boy-martyr/
Bl Louise Bessay de la Voûte
Bl Louise Poirier épouse Barré
Bl Marie-Anne Hacher du Bois
Bl Marie-Louise du Verdier de la Sorinière
Bl Mikel Beltoja
Bl Paganus
Bl Paul of Wallachia
Bl Pierre Frémond
St Porfirio
St Prothadius of Besançon
St Salvius of Albelda
St Silvanus of Terracina
St Soteris the Martyr
St Troiano of Saintes
St Trumwin of Whitby
St William the Hermit (Died 1157)
About St William:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/02/10/saint-of-the-day-10-february-saint-william-the-hermit-died-1157/
Martyred Soldiers in Rome: A group of ten Christian soldiers who were martyred together for their faith. We know little more about them but four of their names – Amantius, Hyacinth, Irenaeus and Zoticus. • 120 at Rome, Italy. They were buried on the Via Lavicana outside RomeAmantius, Hyacinth, Irenaeus, Zoticus.

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