In 1362 a famous English astronomer, Nicolas of Lynn, and a crew of Norwegian sailors very possibly attained the North American shores through Iceland, Greenland, Rhode Island and Hudson Bay. They left behind an artifact: The Kensington Runestone in Minnesota. The markings on this slab of rock are a witness to the story of these first explorers and to their faith.

It reads:

"8 Goths and 22 Norwegians on exploration journey from Vinland over the west. We camp by 2 skerries one day-journey from this stone. We were and fished one day. After we came home, 10 men red with blood and tourtured. A.V.M. [Ave Virgo Maria] save from evil. Have 10 men by the sea to look after our ship, 14 day-journeys from this island year 1362."

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Cfr. R.M. Huber, Monument Gives American Prayer to Our Lady in 1362, in NCWC Wire (July 1947).

See also the youtube video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhud80vWqks