1. Our Lady of Pontmain, January 17, 1871, in Portmain, France
Known as Our Lady of Hope, this apparition was recognized by Pope Pius IX in 1872. On the afternoon of January 17, 1871, during the height of the Franco-Prussian War, two young village boys were helping their father work at the barn when they saw a beautiful woman smiling at them.
When the boys alerted their parents, the adults saw nothing. Similarly, a religious sister from the local school came and saw nothing. However, two young girls were brought over without being told anything about what was happening and instantly saw and perfectly described the same beautiful woman wearing a blue gown covered with golden stars, and a black veil under a golden crown.
As word spread, many from around the village gathered to pray, and the children saw a banner unfurl under the woman with a message that read:
“But pray, my children. God will hear you in time. My Son allows Himself to be touched.”
Upon hearing the message read aloud, the crowd spontaneously began to sing hymns, and as they sang, Our Lady laughed and joined in the singing.
That same evening the Prussian forces inexplicably abandoned their advance.