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On Display in the Marian Library
Country
Chile
Description
The image of La Purísima is hung in the chapel of the hacienda of La Compañía de Graneros, north of Rancagua. The devotion in Chile goes back to the time of the Jesuits when missionaries had owned the Company’s hacienda. After the expulsion of the order in 1767 the hacienda was sold by public auction to Don Mateo de Toro y Zambrano. Later the land was divided amongst multiple descendants who maintained the devotion for the Virgin and her procession.
In 1968 these descendants gave the Chapel to the priests who had been overseeing the cult for many years. Although almost in ruins, the Chapel still contained relics of inestimable artistic value; among them, a superb altar of carved and gilded wood of in the Baroque style, dedicated to San Ignacio. A picture of the Virgin originally hung outside the chapel but later the statue was moved inside and put behind bars.
Among the stories told of the image, it is said that this statue would disappear and end up on the banks of the Codegua River during colonial times. It is believed that is where the statue belongs and wants to reside. The celebration for Nuestra Señora La Purísima La Compañía takes place on December 8th. Around 40,000 people typically show up and walk barefoot by the statue to place such things as flowers, spices and plants. There is also a peregrination from Rancagua in May that takes place in the city where the shrine is located, although this is a smaller festival than the gathering in December.
Reference:
Prado Ocaranza, Juan Guillermo. Santuarios y Fiestas Marianas En Chile. Santiago de Chile: Ediciones Paulinas, 1981.
Researched by Logan J. Rush
Popular Devotions
Theological debate concerning the absence of original sin in the person of Mary began as early as the second century with the writings of Saints Justin and Ireneus. St. Ephraem of Syria wrote in the Nisibene Hymns: "Certainly You alone and your mother are from every aspect completely beautiful for there is no blemish in Thee, my Lord, and no stain in Thy mother." (Hymn. B. Maria 13:5-6) . This purity from sin is central in devotions to La Purisima de la Compania.
Hail Mary
Dios te salve, María. Llena eres de gracia: El Señor es contigo.
Bendita tú eres entre todas las mujeres.
Y bendito es el fruto de tu vientre: Jesús.
Santa María, Madre de Dios, ruega por nosotros pecadores,
ahora y en la hora de nuestra muerte.
Amen.
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