1.The Patroness of Colombia

2. Chiquinquira, Colombia In the Center ofColombia, in thedepartment of Boyaca is theold city of Chiquinquira In the indigenouslanguage, of theMuisca, Chiquinquirameans place of worshipfor the gods. It has and continues to beconsidered the religiouscapitol of Colombia and apilgrimage site. 3. 1560 Antonio de Santanawas given an encomienda inthat area of ColonialColombia and the Dominicanfriars were given missions inthe area. 1562 - Friar Andres Jadraquebuild a chapel andcommissions Alonso Narvaezto paint a picture of el Virgindel Rosario 1574 - the friars abandonedthe chapel. Moisture anddeterioration ruined thepainting and almost erasedthe image. 4. EL IMAGEN The image that wascommissioned was painted on acloth woven by the Indigenouscommunity. It is the picture of theVirgin of the Rosary flanked by St.Andrew on the left (Fr. Andresspatron) and St. Anthony of Paduaon the right (Patron of Antonio deSantana) 5. El Milagro 1585 - it was moved to a room inChiquinquira that was used to dry grainand periodically as a chapel. December 26,1586 Isabel, anindigenous woman, and her sonwitness the painting glow brilliantly, as ifon fire, and the image was miraculouslyrestored. They contact a devout spanishwoman, Maria Ramos, who wasmarried to Pedro de Santana, thebrother of Antonio. The tell the news ofthe miracle and the devotion of theVirgin de Chiquinquira begins. Archbishop Luis Zapata commissionsan investigation, January 10, 1587 themiracle is confirmed and a temple iscommissioned. Her feast day is July 9th. 6. LA PATRONA DEL PUEBLO In 1794 after an earthquake and ahumid climate ruin the original temple,a Basilica was commissioned. May 5, 1816. During the war ofindependence. An infantry commander,Manuel Roergas de Servies, had hisarmy take the Lady of Chiquinquirawith his army under protest of thereligious and local community. It issurmised that he took it to grant hisarmy victory. In 1825 the Basilica is built and itbecomes a national place ofpilgrimages including viceroys, bishopsand politicians such as Simon Bolivar. In 1916 the nation of Colombiaenshrines the Virgin of Chiquinquira asthe Patroness of Colombia. 7. Oraciones e Intercesiones Besides being a place of pilgrimages, Our Lady of Chiquinquirahas been a patron for peace and success for both Colombiaand the Church. As with the rest of Latin America Mary is given a specialrecognition of her protective, healing and intercessory power. In 1967 a Papal Nuncio places a lit candle below the imploringfor the success of the Second Vatican Council. In 1986 Pope John Paul II prays at Chiquinquira for peace inColombia and in 1999 the image is taken to Bogota for anational prayer for peace. Holy Week is celebrated with particular fervor in Chiquinquira.