Rosary of Aachen

“It is difficult to describe the great veneration that was shown to the virgin Mother of God in Aachen in former times ... Many came to Aachen from distant regions, even from the middle of Pannonia, out of religious devotion, in order to show their devotion to the Blessed Mother of God 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. Every day, countless candles were lit by the faithful in front of the miraculous image. They held large supplications and processions through the town and the surrounding area, bringing flowers and ornaments for the image.

On 19 September 1915, the chapter decided to hold a large procession with the image of grace in thanksgiving for the protection from an enemy invasion and with the request for “a speedy peace”. On the Feast of the Rosary, 03 October 1915, the miraculous image was carried through the city in a rarely or never seen three-hour procession of about 20000 participants through the city.

Before the miraculous image, carried by Franciscans and Redemptorists and accompanied by Charlemagne marksmen, altar servers went with the coat of arms of the city and the Chapter. Behind them walked Cardinal von Hartmann, representatives of the authorities, the monastery and city clergy. 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 Aachener's indestructible trust in Mary's help.

As early as 1598, at the time of the Reformation, the Aacheners gave thanks before the miraculous image for their return from exile.When they entered the city, they marched in a festive procession to the altar of Mary, knelt before the miraculous image and offered prayers of thanksgiving while the choir sang the Te Deum. According to the commemorative publication for the the cathedral's anniversary in 1704, Mary's intercession was credited with restoring the Catholic faith and saving the city from all the wartime hardships of the time.

At all times, veneration of Our Lady of Aachen was associated with a genuine spirit of sacrifice and gratitude, as the many consecration gifts testify. Often they were gifts of thanksgiving for healing of illnesses.They were delivered personally or sent by messenger. 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 clergy, as well as many citizens of Aachen.

On 3 November 1965, the Congregation for Rites permitted the celebration of a votive mass “Mary, Help of Christians” for Aachen Cathedral with a separate mass formula for priests 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 may valiantly contend for the faith on earth and glorify thy glory in heaven.”