Montserrat, literally "serrated mountain" for its jagged appearance, is located in Catalonia, Spain. It is best known as a pilgrimage site in honor of the Blessed Mother. A manuscript written in 1239 describes the event, centuries beforehand, which led to the fame this mountain holds today.

One ordinary Saturday evening in the year 880, some shepherd children were amazed by the sight of a "great light" shining on the mountainside. Equally astounding was the "beautiful song" coming from that direction. The heavenly light and music were repeated on the following Saturdays, and witnessed by others as well. Word soon reached the Bishop of Manresa, who determined to find the reason for this miraculous phenomena.

His efforts led to the discovery of a cave on the mountainside. Everyone was eager to know what supernatural treasure waited for them in this place. To their delight, they soon found it: a small but lovely statue of the Madonna and Child. Tucked away in this obscure grotto, it had been safe during the invasion of the Moors.

The jubilant people reverently lifted the statue, and began the journey down the mountainside, to enshrine the holy image in a church. But they did not get far. The small statue grew heavier and heavier until it couldn't be moved at all! Clearly, the Blessed Virgin did not want Her statue to leave the mountain. Thus the pilgrimage site was built on the spot, to house the statue.

Our Lady of Montserrat has touched the souls of many people. One of Her most notable devotees was St. Ignatius of Loyola. During his recovery from battle wounds, Ignatius went deep inside himself, reconsidering his life. When he had recovered enough to travel, he went on pilgrimage to the monastery of Montserrat. Praying at Our Lady's altar, he laid down his weapons, determined to change his life forever. He went on to found the Jesuits, bringing countless other souls to God.