La Virgen del Carmen

Lopez Melus, Rafael Maria. 1988. Novena a la Virgen del Carmen. Onda (Castellon): Apostolado Mariano-Carmelitano

Country

Guatemala

Description

La Virgen del Carmen is venerated all over the world, but especially so in Guatemala, where the devotion to the Virgin of Carmen is widespread. There are several sacred spaces dedicated to La Virgen del Carmen, the main one being the Shrine of Cerrito del Carmen in the historical district of the capital city. In the XVII Century, a hermit by the name of Juan de Corz, brought an image of La Virgen del Carmen to Guatemala City. Legend has it that St. Teresa de Jesús wanted this image to be brought to the Americas, and that the feet of La Virgen del Carmen a great city would emerge.

 

The hermitage of Cerro del Carmen, one of many temples dedicated to the Virgin of Carmen, was built following Juan de Corz’s trip to the Americas to house the image. The location was selected because during de Corz’s trip, the Virgin came to him and told him that he wanted to rest in the Valley of the Cows. La Virgen del Carmen is now patron saint of this valley, which was renamed “Valley of the Virgin.” In 1813, another temple, The Temple of Our Lady of Carmen, was built commemorating La Virgen del Carmen. One year later, on September 11, 1814, the temple was blessed and dedicated by the Brotherhood of the Holy Scapular. The earthquakes of 1917 and 1976 heavily affected the temple, but after restoration, the temple still stands today.

 

References:

Researched by Thomas R. Clontz

Popular Devotions

Feast Day: July 16

“La Presencia De La Virgen Del Carmen En La Capital.” Prensa Libre, www.prensalibre.com/hemeroteca/la-virgen-del-carmen-en-el-centro-historico.

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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