Dr. Helen Titilola OLOJEDE

Last week, while listening to Jeff Cavins, the Catholic evangelist, he asked a question that struck me: Which personality in the world would you like to meet? After deep reflections, I know I would love to experience a Marian apparition. So, for the love of apparitions, let us explore the story behind what is now known as Our Lady Help of Christians (Czech Republic, 1885).

 

The story centres on Magdalena Kade, born in 1835 to German parents, who at nineteen contracted multiple severe illnesses, including pneumonia, pleurisy, encephalitis, and later a serious chest ulceration. By November 1865, two physicians declared her condition incurable. Bedridden and often unconscious from pain, she received last rites from Father Franz Storch on December 21, 1865.

On the night of January 12-13, 1866, Magdalena's friend Veronika stayed with her. According to Magdalena's testimony to the Bishop's Commission, while Veronika slept, "All of a sudden the room became luminous, full of more light than daytime. The curtain of the bed opened. I was frightened. I elbowed Veronika, saying to her: 'Veronika, wake up, do you not see this glow?' Veronika said: 'But I do not see anything.' In front of my bed was a figure that emanated a very white light, with a yellow crown on its head. I quickly thought it was the Mother of God. I united my hands in prayer and began to pray: 'My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit exults in God, my Saviour.' Having said this, I heard a voice, but an unusual voice, different from that of people: 'My child, from this moment on you will be healed.' And in that moment, the person disappeared, and I no longer felt any pain."

 

That same night, she rose from bed unassisted. The next morning, she walked to the baker's shop, astounding her neighbours. When questioned, she stated: "Last night I saw the Virgin Mary and she told me I would be healed. And I am healed. Nothing more and nothing less happened." News of the miracle spread rapidly. The Kade home became a pilgrimage destination, with visitors coming from increasingly distant villages.

By May 1866, the family had converted the room of the apparition into a temporary chapel, with the old table serving as an altar and a specially embroidered pillow marking the spot where Magdalena had seen the Virgin Mary. This miraculous healing laid the foundation for what would eventually become an important religious site and the Basilica of Filipov.

 

May Our Lady Help of Christians intercede for us. Amen.

Our Lady Health of the Sick, pray for us.