എട്ടു നോമ്പ്: or The Eight Day Lent of Mary

In the seventh century, there was a town called Heera near Basra, which was predominantly a Christian township. The Caliph of Baghdad captured this town and appointed a fanatic Muslim governor, who implemented Caliph's every dictum with fervor. The Caliph was known to be cruel and had a weakness for beautiful women. He was enamored by the beauty and charm of the women of Heera and decided to reach in three days. The chastity and modesty of the women of Heera were at stake, but they sought refuge in the church of St. Mary. The priest declared an uncompromising Lent for three days invoking the intercession of mother Mary. On the 3rd day, in the middle of the Holy Qurbana, a golden beam of light flashed down from above, then spread to illuminate the whole church.

It is said that the priest had a vision of Mother Mary and also heard her saying: