January 15 is the feast day of Our Lady of Banneux, an apparition of Mary that appeared to young girl named Mariette Beco in Banneux, Belgium between January 15 and March 2, 1933, saying "I come to relieve suffering," and "Believe in me and I will believe in you."
Thus, it seems an ideal day to put a white lace or blue tablecloth on the table (since Our Lady's traditional colors are blue and white and Belgium is famous for lace) and, then, to enjoy some Belgian hot chocolate and Liege waffles while reading, praying, and chatting about Our Lady of Banneux.
(Or, if you are trying to reduce salt, oil, and sugar like I am, you could make 2-Ingredient Waffles an Oatmeal waffles.)
Along with these, be sure to have some water.
Why?
It will can remind you that on January 18, 1933, when the Virgin appeared to Mariette a second time, she led her from her house to a spring which she said would bring healing to all nations.
After grace and before eating, you might also want to pray the following prayers, which appears along with others on the the Banneux Notre Dame site:
Prayer of the International Union of Prayer
Mary Virgin of the Poor,
You lead us to Jesus, source of grace, and you come to alleviate our suffering.
We implore you with confidence:
Help us follow your Son with generosity, and to belong to Him unreservedly.
Help us follow your Son with generosity, and to belong to Him unreservedly.
Help us to welcome the Holy Spirit Who guides and sanctify us.
Obtain us the grace to look like Jesus everyday more, so that our life will glorify the Father and contribute to the salvation of our Brothers.
{Some links which follow may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases}
 |
| Source: Amazon |
You could also read a copy of the Our Lady of Banneux Coloring Book if you have one, and, if not, you could read about Our Lady of the Poor and the apparitions online.
For more ideas about celebrating and learning with Our Lady of Banneux in mind, see 15 Ways to Celebrate Our Lady of Banneux's Day.
 |
| Get More Ideas! |
Our Lady of Banneux, pray for us!
