Rosary of Aachen

“It is hard to describe the great admiration that was shown to the Virgin Mother of God in Aachen ... Many came from distant regions, even in the middle of Pannonia, for religious devotion to Aachen, in order to show their devotion to the Blessed Mother through pious generosity and generous piety. " – (St. Peter Canisius)

Shortly after the beginning of World War I, the miraculous image was again placed close to the people for veneration. Countless candles burned every day in front of the miraculous image of believers, who held great prayers and processions through the city and the surrounding area and brought flowers and jewelry for the miraculous image.

On September 19th, 1915, the collegiate chapter decided to hold a large procession with the miraculous image as thanks for being saved from an enemy incursion and with the request for "an early peace". On the feast oft he Holy Rosary, October 3rd, 1915, the miraculous image was carried through the city in a seldom or never seen three-hour procession of around 20,000 participants.

In front of the miraculous image, which was carried by the Franciscans and Redemptorists and accompanied by Charles Riflemen, acolytes went with the coat of arms of the city and the collegiate chapter. Cardinal von Hartmann, representatives of the authorities, the collegiate and city clergy, stepped behind them. A large number of soldiers and wounded from the military hospitals took part in the procession under the leadership of a captain. It became an impressive demonstration of the indestructible trust of the Aacheners in Mary's help.

Already in 1598, at the time of the Reformation, the Aacheners thanked the miraculous image for their return from exile.When they entered the city, they made a festive procession to the altar of Mary, kneeled down in front of the miraculous image and performed Thanksgiving prayers as the choir sang the Te Deum. According to the commemorative publication for the anniversary of the cathedral in 1704, the restoration of the Catholic faith and the rescue of the city from all war hardships of the time, was attributed to the intercession of Mary.

At all times, the veneration of the Blessed Mother of Aachen was associated with a real spirit of sacrifice and gratitude, as the many consecration gifts testify. Often times they were gifts of thanks for healing illnesses.They were delivered in person or sent by courier. The donors were archbishops and bishops, kings and imperial princes, counts and other nobles from Germany, Austria, Hungary, Bohemia and France, also deans, canons and collegiate priests, as well as many Aachen citizens.

On November 3, 1965, the Congregation for Rites allowed the celebration of a votive mass “Mary, Help of Christians” for Aachen Cathedral with a separate mass formula for priests who went on a pilgrimage to the miraculous image, as well as for all masses in front of groups of pilgrims. The oration read: “Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, by the goodness of our helper Mary, that we fight valiantly on earth for the faith and glorify your glory in heaven.”