On October 23rd, 1970 a catastrophe literally struck Our Lady's Shrine when a plane crash destroyed by fire the beautiful church that Fr. Jose Aspiazu O.M.I. had built to honor the Mother of God. The image of Our Lady of San Juan de Valle, as well as those were present in the shrine were spared, a sign for us of the abiding intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary as we face the many challenges of life. The magnificent Basilica was built to replace the church lost in that fire and it stands as a witness to the steadfast faith of the Catholic people of the Diocese of Brownsville. This shrine is their gift to Our Lady and to the many pilgrims who come here seeking the consolations offered by the Mother of God. On October 23rd, 2008, the faithful will gather in prayer and procession to honor the woman that the Scriptures proclaim "all generation shall call blessed". This opportunity for prayer and procession will be repeated on the 23rd of each month as a witness to our continued faith in intercession of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle. Join us in this holy place on the 23rd day of every month to thank God for the gift of his Holy Mother and the mercy of Jesus Christ. It is our hope that this monthly devotion will prepare us for a great festivity in 2010, when we celebrate with joy the 40th anniversary of the Our Blessed Mother's intercession.