Apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Saint Seraphim of Sarov Wood Plaque Icon

Saint Seraphim of Sarov (1759-1833) enjoyed an astonishing intimate relationship with the Mother of God all his life. At the age of ten, suffering from a serious illness, he revealed to his mother a vision of the Virgin promising him healing. A few days later, as the icon of Our Lady of Kursk, believed to be miraculous, was carried in procession through the city, the child was brought before it and was healed. In 1778, Seraphim became a monk at the monastery of Sarov, where he suffered from dropsy. Again, the Mother of God appeared to him, this time accompanied by the apostles Peter and John. She said to those apostles, pointing to the sick man: "This one belongs to our family." She touched the young monk's head, then his sick side. The swelling burst and a flow of water escaped. In 1793 he became a priest, but soon after left the monastery to live as a hermit deep in a forest. One day, he was severely attacked by thieves who caused him multiple fractures. When he was brought back to h