The early American settlements of Christianity were founded by Catholic missionaries zealous for bringing souls to know Jesus Christ, Son of the Immaculate Virgin. Through their efforts and in many instances their blood, Catholicism took hold in our land. Our Lady of America first appeared as such on the Feast of the North American Martyrs in 1956. In so doing she points to their efforts and blood which gave good and fecund soil for the faith in the new world. By choosing their feast to first appear as Our Lady of America, she acknowledges and honors their heroic acts of love.