Day 2: A Virgin a Day
One of the virgin images
found in Guanajuato, Mexico
is that of Our Lady of Guanajuato,
patron saint of the city.
Her statue resides in the basilica
built between 1671 and 1696.
This antique figure was a gift from
King Charles I of Spain and his son,
Phillip II of Spain during the colonial period.
Image © 2010 Meri Arnett-Kremian |
It is thought to be the earliest piece of European
religious art to arrive in the New World.
Each year on August 9, there is a ceremony
commemorating the statue's arrival
in Guanajuato in 1557.
The statue is placed on a huge, lavishly decorated
lighted bier for closer inspection.
A special Mass and Rosary are said.
Then men of the parish carry the statue outside
for waiting throngs to see.
Hymns are written for the ceremony
and Aztec dancers perform.
In the evening there are three hours of prayer, music
and general adoration, culminating in a fireworks display.
The next day an embroidered velvet mantilla is draped
on the statue. Townspeople walk under it to ensure
the blessings and protection of their patron saint.
There is also a painting of her in the small
basilica museum.
Image © 2010 Meri Arnett-Kremian |
Comments
Sue x
xoxo,
Noelle