Did you know that, not too long ago, employees for one of the largest confectionery companies in the world were working for a Catholic man who had a fervent devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes?

Michele Ferrero, owner of this international candy making company, made no effort to hide his love for Our Blessed Mother. It was a gift he was both proud of and greatly desirous to share it with those who worked for him. In fact, every one of his factories featured one of Her statues (including his facilities in China and Turkey). And every year, Michele visited Our Lady's Shrine at Lourdes, taking his top manager with him. He even organized such pilgrimages for his employees!

Our Blessed Mother, on Her part, was sure to rewarded his loyal and public love. Under Her protection, fame and wealth did not corrupt his Faith or weaken his courage. As the richest man in Italy (and, in 2014, reported as the 20th richest person in the world!), Michele's great success was of keen interest to the public eye. While celebrating the 50th anniversary of the founding of his company, he surprised the press with his secret to success, "The success of Ferrero we owe to Our Lady of Lourdes; without Her we can do little."

A sweet and subtle tribute to his beloved Madonna is the shape of one of his famous candies - the Ferrero Rocher - whose rugged exterior and hollow sweet interior is in small imitation of the rocky and sacred grotto of Lourdes - "Rocher de Massabielle" - Rock of Massabielle.

After a long life of providing the world some cheer with his candies and good example with his strong Faith, Our Lady ended Michele's days on earth with Her Own sweet touch. She called Her famed candy maker and devoted child Home on the one feast day in which sweets are most enjoyed... St. Valentine’s Day!

Let us ask Michele Ferraro and all of his friends in Heaven, starting with the lovely Lady of Lourdes, to obtain for all of us (especially employers like him) the courage we need to imitate his Faith and follow his devout example. Let our love for the Blessed Virgin Mary be the joy of our life - one that we are eager to show and share with others. The love and protection of Our Blessed Mother is a treasure waiting for everyone. Like Michele, let us do our part to help them find Her!