Nuestra Señora del Rosario, Patrona
Nuestra Senora del Rosario, Marian holy cards collection, ML.031 Box 28, circa 1675-2018. Marian Library, University of Dayton Libraries, Dayton, Ohio.
Country
Guatemala
Description
According to the legend, Mary and Jesus traveled throughout the Americas. Jesus fell asleep once the two arrived in Guatemala. Since the Baby Jesus was fast asleep, Mary decided to remain in Guatemala. With this in mind, the Guatemalan image of Nuestra Señora del Rosario was commissioned in 1592 by Fr. Lope de Montoya, a Dominican friar, who introduced the cult of the Rosario in Guatemala.
It is believed that if Mary’s face changes from a darker to light tone the country will face hardship in the future. The statue was often a source of comfort for the people of Guatemala following earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other natural disasters. On September 29, 1717, a massive earthquake hit the city where the temple holding the statue was located. The people rushed to the temple as a safe haven. However, the temple was locked and ultimately collapsed due to the large tremors. Nevertheless, the statue of Our Lady of the Rosary remained unharmed, which is still considered a miracle to this day.
Nuestra Señora del Rosario was declared patroness of Guatemala in 1651. In 1808, The Shrine of the Virgin of the Rosary was completed in dedication to her. Years later, in 1833, Nuestra Señora del Rosario was declared “Queen of Guatemala.” She finally was crowned by the pope as official patroness in 1934. The faithful declared October “the month of the rosary” since Our Lady of the Rosary’s feast day in Guatemala is October 7.
References:
“Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Guatemala, donde el Niño Jesús quiso quedarse.“ Foros de la Virgen María (blog). Published September 11, 2015.
“Our Lady of the Rosary Day in Guatemala.” Mexico Experts Travel. Accessed April 12, 2024.
Redemptorist Pastoral Publication. Mary Throughout Latin America. Liguori: Liguori Publications, 2005.
Researched by Thomas R. Clontz
Popular Devotions
“Our Lady of the Rosary, you and Jesus found rest and a home among the women and men of Guatemala. We ask your help to remain free from all evil and rest one day in the eternal joy of heaven.” Amen.
Mary throughout Latin America. Liguori, 2005.
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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