1,500th Anniversary of Marian Shrine at Mentorella, Italy, August 29

Zenit reports: Benedict XVI named Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, retired prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, as his special envoy to the Aug. 29 celebration of the 1,500th anniversary of the Marian shrine at Mentorella.

The Shrine of Holy Mary of the Graces, which is situated about 30 miles from Rome, is on what is believed to be the site of the conversion of St. Eustachius (also known as Eustace). Prior to becoming a Christian, Eustachius was a centurion in the Roman army under the Emperor Trajan and had the name Placidus. Read more here.