Our Lady Of Health, Vailangkanni! Poem by Dr John Celes

O Queen of Heaven, Star of Sea!
Our dear Annai Vailangkanni!
So many met a grave, watery!
Could you not stall the Tsunami?

A lady with her infant child,
Who wore stars for crown on her head,
Had appeared in a divine way,
When sailors prayed for help, that day!

The Portuguese promised to build
A church for her if she would quell
The stormy sea, threatening to kill;
And take them safe to shore God-willed!

They knelt and prayed to her with tears:
‘Mother of Jesus, take our fears;
O Spare our lives for ones all dear! ’
The Queen of Health did promptly hear.

The sea became all quiet, calm;
The ship was protected from harm;
The sailors landed on the shore
Where stood ajar, a church’s door!

Our lady with infant Jesus
Had saved their lives from Satan’s curse;
Their hearts with gratitude afilled;
By miracle, the sea was stilled!

They built a bigger church for her;
And hoisted flag of dear Mother;
The church wrought miracles with time,
As people flocked to her all clime.

O Queen of Heaven, Star of Sea!
Our dear Annai Vailangkanni!
How many died so easily!
Could you not stall the Tsunami?

Perhaps, if they had prayed to her,
She would have saved their lives, mother;
Yet, those inside the Church escaped,
As sea-water did not enter!

While many those around saw death,
Caught by the swirling killer waves,
With death and destruction galore,
The church was spared by miracle!

Pray for us, O Mother Mary!
With tears we say the Rosary;
Our lives at times do turn scary;
Our cross in life, Help us carry!

Copyright by Dr John Celes 6-24-2008