Our Patroness
Dedication to Our Lady Consoler of the Afflicted
Our parish is proudly dedicated to Our Lady Consoler of the Afflicted. This title has its roots in the generosity of a German benefactor who offered a substantial contribution toward the construction of our church. Expressing a heartfelt desire to honor Our Lady under this specific mantle, the donor requested that the church be named "Our Lady Consoler of the Afflicted Church." That wish was graciously honored, and our parish was formally dedicated under her patronage.
About the devotion
The title “Consoler of the Afflicted” or “Our Lady of Consolation” (Latin: Consolatrix Afflictorum) is one of the oldest titles under which the Church has venerated Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Early Christians invoked Mary under this title, which reflects her role as a compassionate mother. The Blessed Virgin knows human suffering firsthand, having stood by her Son, Jesus, in his Passion and death. She, therefore, offers motherly comfort, empathy and hope to all who are in pain and affliction, and intercedes for them with her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
This title is also officially included in the Litany of Loreto, where it appears as “Comforter of the Afflicted”. The origin of this invocation is derived from the Augustinian friars who propagated this particular devotion. By the early 18th century the custom of asking for the final blessing before death in the name of Our Lady of Consolation was very popular. The feast of Our Lady of Consolation is observed in various Catholic countries within religious orders and institutions. The Order of Saint Augustine observe it on September 4.