Our Lady of the Thirty-three is the patroness of Uruguay. The title "Thirty-three"  refers to the thirty-three patriots that fought for Uruguay’s independence. This number is also very significant in the Catholic Church. For example, it is the number often referenced in regards to Jesus’ lifetime on Earth. However, it is not indicated if this relationship was by accident or design. The tradition states, the thirty-three patriots landed on the beaches of Agraciada, a village in Uruguay, on April 19, 1825 to fight for the liberation of Uruguay. Then, the thirty-three men traveled to a small church in Florida, Uruguay, where they went to the Blessed Mother and placed the future of the country at her feet. The thirty-three patriots fought side by side, led by Juan Antonio Lavalleja, to liberate themselves from Brazil. Four months later, on August 25, 1825, Uruguay officially declared for its independence from Brazil. Following the liberation from the Brazilians, the Constitutional Court of Uruguay bowed down before the image of Our Lady and declared that their country would be under her protection. The image of Our lady and the Florida church were declared historical monuments on the 150^th anniversary of Uruguay’s independence. In 1857, one of the original thirty-three patriots became the President of Uruguay. He gave the statue of Our Lady a golden crown that featured exquisite stones, which became the distinct characteristic of the Marian image. In 1962, Pope John XXIII proclaimed Our Lady of the thirty-three the Patroness of Uruguay. The Patroness's feast day is annually celebrated on the second Sunday of November.

Mary throughout Latin America. Liguori, 2005.

Santoro, Nicholas J. Mary in Our Life: Atlas of the Names and Titles of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and Their Place in Marian Devotion. IUniverse, 2011.

Popular Devotions

“Loving Mother, at crucial moment in Uruguay’s history, you inspired the thirty-three patriots to ask God’s assistance in their pursuit of freedom. Grant courage to all your sons and daughters committed to the pursuit of freedom.” Amen.

Mary throughout Latin America. Liguori, 2005.

Hail Mary