Wesemlin, Lucerne (1513)

Summary

During the night of Pentecost of 1513, the city councilor, Maurice von Mettenwyl, saw the Virgin Mary surrounded by a heavenly light and surrounded by arrows and the moon was at her feet. Mary appeared crowned and carrying the Child Jesus on her left arm, while the right hand was a scepter. Faced with this majestic appearance of the man was shocked and fell on his knees, promising to rebuild the chapel and put the portrait of Mary in her place, as she had appeared.

Switzerland was one of the countries where the reform of the Catholic Church began. The first promoters of the reform were Ulrich Zwingli and John Calvin, who sought to expand the reform to the entire country.

During this era of changes, the Confederation suffered many internal conflicts, given that religion had become a symbol of disunity. This almost led to the collapse of the confederation, the counties began to attack each other.

The internal area of Switzerland remained Catholic. It was severely tortured by the forces of the Reformation in Eastern Switzerland. Above Lucerne had imposed an embargo on food. On a hill near the town they had destroyed a chapel and smashed an image of Mary.

1513

During the night of Pentecost of 1513, the city councilor, Maurice von Mettenwyl, saw the Virgin Mary surrounded by a heavenly light and surrounded by arrows and the moon was at her feet. Mary appeared crowned and carrying the Child Jesus on her left arm, while the right hand was a scepter. Faced with this majestic appearance of the man was shocked and fell on his knees, promising to rebuild the chapel and put the portrait of Mary in her place, as she had appeared. The next night, having heard this story, many people gathered on the site to pray.

The Blessed Virgin appeared once again to all, without a crown, and then two angels came and crowned as "Queen of the Angels." All the faithful who had witnessed this apparition were very moved and comforted and prayed to Mary to help the small army against the Catholic reform of Zurich's biggest threat.

After a short time, the Catholic cantons were freed from the threat of Protestant believers. In gratitude to the Blessed Virgin Mary, erected a new chapel on the hill of Wesemlin.

1588

The Capuchins are responsible for the chapel since 1588.