About Us

A short history of “Our Lady of Hope”

The picture on the right is of Our Lady of Hope. Her story begins more than 150 years ago in the small village of Pontmain in Brittany, France. Our Lady of Pontmain is a title given to the Virgin Mary based on an apparition that took place in this village during a tumultuous period in French history. The apparition is particularly notable because of its timing and the profound impact it had on the local community and beyond that area.

The apparitions began on January 17, 1871, amidst the Franco-Prussian War, a conflict that was deeply affecting France. The village of Pontmain was one of many areas experiencing the war’s harsh realities, and the local population was anxiously awaiting a resolution to the conflict. On that evening, while a group of villagers, including several children, were gathered in prayer in the local church, a miraculous event occurred.

Around 6:00 p.m., a group of children saw a vision of a woman in the night sky. The figure was described as gentle and serene, adorned with a crown and surrounded by stars. She held a long banner with the inscription: “But pray, my children. God will hear you in a short time. My Son allows Himself to be moved.” The message was delivered in a calm and reassuring manner, which profoundly comforted the villagers. At that moment, soldiers heading toward Pontmain unexpectantly received orders to retreat.

The apparition continued for several hours, and many people from the village, including those who initially did not see the vision, were able to witness it. The scene depicted a peaceful and hopeful image, with the Virgin Mary appearing as a symbol of divine intercession and protection. Thus, the reason she is known as “Our Lady of Hope”. The church recognized the apparition as genuine, and the message was seen as a sign of hope and reassurance during a difficult time.

Eleven days later, on the 28^th of January, the armistice ending the war was signed at Versailles.

The feast day of Our Lady of Pontmain is celebrated on January 17 each year, commemorating the date of the apparition. This apparition is particularly noted for its simplicity and the directness of its message, which emphasized the power of prayer and the compassionate nature of God’s intervention. It stands as a reminder of faith’s role in overcoming adversity and the importance of hope and perseverance in challenging times.

On August 31, 2008, the two Catholic churches in Washington, Indiana joined together and became Our Lady of Hope Parish. A special Mass of Inauguration was held to celebrate this solemn occasion. Part of the mission statement of our parish is that Mary serves as “our model on our journey to God.” May Our Lady of Hope, our Mother and Patroness, always watch over us and bless us with her loving care.