OUR LADY OF THE PILLAR
October 12
The story is told that in the year 40, while in Saragossa, Spain, the Apostle James saw the Virgin appear with the Child Jesus, standing on a pillar and asking him and his eight disciples to build a church on the site. This church is thus reputed to be the first church dedicated to Mary; it remains standing to this day. Nuestra Señora del Pilar is the patroness of Spain and all Hispanic peoples, and the origin of the popular name Pilar for Spanish girls.