OUR LADY AND THE MUSLIM SLAVE

In Naples, in the 17th century, there lived a Don Octavius del Monaco, a wealthy Man. Octavius had a Muslim Slaves. These Slaves were always amazed at the kindness of their master. He catered for them better than they had received in their native land. In return, the Slaves attended to their duty with diligence, a their master never over-worked them.

Don Octavius and his wife would always persuade their Slaves, exhorting them to give up their religion and become Catholics. Don Octavius would even go as far as inviting them to join his Family in the Chapel to worship with them.

One of the Slaves whose name was Abel, had always been drawn in a special way to a lamp that burned in front of the Shrine of "the Holy Mary". Abel would buy the oil needed to keep the lamp aflame with his own meager stipend. As he practised this humble devotion, he would say to himself, "I hope this Lady will grant me some great favour"

One night, Our Lady did appear to him and told him, he must become a Christian. At first, he resisted, but, she placed her hand on his Shoulder saying, "now, do not resist anymore, be baptised and be called Joseph," a name so dear to Our Lady's immaculate Heart.

On August 10, 1648, Heaven rejoiced as "Joseph" and eleven other Muslims converted to the Christian faith and were baptised. Their conversion resulted from the kindness of their master, Don Octavius, and the special intercession of Our Lady.

Our Lady delighted in visiting this Son of hers, since his baptism. One day, when she appeared to him, she was about to depart but, Abel, now Joseph, seized her Mantle, and pleaded... "Oh, Lady, when I find myself afflicted, please let me see you" and infact she promised him this one day and when Joseph foun himself afflicted, he invoked her and Our Lady appeared to him again saying, "be patient!" and he was consoled.


culled from the Glories of Mary by Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori.