There once was a little chapel situated on a mountain that was dedicated to Our Lady. A quiet place, to some it might have seemed a lonely place; indeed it would have been, except for one person whose frequent visits broke the solitude of the small shrine. While leading her flock of sheep to graze on the mountain, this poor shepherdess often visited the little chapel to pray. She had such a deep love for Mary, and deeply enjoyed conversing with her Heavenly Mother, and showing Her acts of devotion.

One day however, as she was praying before her beloved image, she realized that the carving of Our Lady which hung in the chapel was undecorated. No crown, no jewels - nothing. The girl was quite saddened by this. But then, with a sudden smile, she decided that by whatever work her poor hands could do, she would make something truly beautiful for Mary.

And so, she gathered some flowers in the fields and wove them together into a garland. Then going into the little chapel, the girl went up to the image and carefully placed the garland of flowers around the head of the figure. Looking at it, she said "Oh, my mother, I wish that I could place on your head a crown of gold and gems; but as I am poor, receive from me this poor crown of flowers, and accept it as a token of the love I have for you." And so the devout maiden continued in her love and always strove to serve and honor her beloved Lady.

Time passed, and the sweet shepherdess at length fell ill, and was nearing her end. It happened that two religious were travelling along the road which passed near that village. Wearied by their journeying, they stopped to rest under a nearby tree. One of them fell asleep, the other remaining awake to keep watch. But while they rested, they were both given the same vision. In it, they beheld a multitude of beautiful virgins, and among them was one who surpassed the rest in loveliness and majesty. One of the brothers addressed her, saying "My Lady, who are you? And where are you going?"

"I am the Mother of God," the Lady replied, "and I am going with these holy virgins to the neighboring village. I go there to visit a dying shepherdess, who has many times visited me." Saying this, She disappeared. The monk who slept quickly awoke; and after relating to each other their identical experiences, these good servants of God both decided to go and see this shepherdess.

The monks journeyed on towards the village where the dying maiden lived. Upon entering a small cottage, they found her lying upon a little straw. Greeting her, she returned their salutation with "Brothers, ask of God that He may permit you to see the company which surrounds me." The two men quickly dropped to their knees in prayerful supplication. Immediately they saw Our Lady standing by the side of the dying girl, consoling her. The Blessed Mother held a dazzling crown in Her hand. The other holy virgins then began to sing; and with this sweet music all around her, the blessed soul departed. Mary then crowned Her devoted daughter with the beautiful diadem, and brought the soul of Her beloved shepherdess with Her to Heaven. How generously and lovingly our grateful Mother Mary rewards the visits and affections of her children.