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'''Our Lady of Caacupé''' ({{lang|es|Nuestra Señora de Caacupé}}) is a title of the Blessed Virgin Mary honoured as the principal patroness of [[Paraguay]]. The 16th-century wooden statue of the Immaculate Conception, distinguished by its celestial blue mantle, has been venerated since the late 17th century at the [[Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Miracles, Caacupé]] in [[Caacupé]], [[Paraguay]].
'''Our Lady of the Thirty-Three''' ({{lang|es|Nuestra Señora de los Treinta y Tres}}) is a title of the Blessed Virgin Mary honoured as the principal patroness of [[Uruguay]]. The 18th-century Guaraní wooden statue of the Immaculate Conception, distinguished by its oversized golden crown, has been venerated since 1857 at the [[Cathedral Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Thirty-Three]] in [[Florida, Uruguay|Florida]], [[Uruguay]].
 
{{Marian titles
{{Marian titles
|Title                  = Our Lady of Caacupé
|Title                  = Our Lady of the Thirty-Three
|NativeName            = {{lang|es|Nuestra Señora de Caacupé}}
|NativeName            = {{lang|es|Nuestra Señora de los Treinta y Tres}}
|Country                = [[Paraguay]]
|Country                = [[Uruguay]]
|Patronage              = Paraguay
|Patronage              = Uruguay
|FeastDay              = December 8
|FeastDay              = Second Sunday of November
|OriginDate            = 16th century
|OriginDate            = 18th century
|PrimaryShrine          = [[Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Miracles, Caacupé]]
|PrimaryShrine          = [[Cathedral Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Thirty-Three]]
|ShrineCity            = Caacupé, Cordillera Department
|ShrineCity            = Florida, Uruguay
|ShrineCoordinates      = -25.3862, -57.1414
|ShrineCoordinates      = -34.0992, -56.2142
|ProclaimedPatronDate  = December 8, 1763
|ProclaimedPatronDate  = November 21, 1930
|CrowningDate          =  
|CrowningDate          = May 21, 1961
|ImageType              = Wooden statue
|ImageType              = Wooden statue (Guaraní mission art)
|Height                = 50 cm
|Height                = approx. 38 cm
|Attributes            = Celestial blue mantle; hands joined in prayer; blond hair
|Attributes            = Oversized golden crown; blue mantle with stars; hands joined in prayer
|AssociatedCountries    = Paraguayan diaspora; [[Argentina]]; [[Spain]]
|AssociatedCountries    = Paraguayan diaspora; former Jesuit mission territories
|ReviewLevel            = 3
|ReviewLevel            = 3
}}
}}
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=== Origin of the image ===
=== Origin of the image ===
According to longstanding hagiographic tradition preserved in Franciscan chronicles and Guaraní oral history, the statue was carved in the 16th century by an indigenous convert named José (known as “Indio José”) at the Franciscan reduction of Tobatí. Having escaped hostile Mbayaes after hiding behind a large tree trunk and promising the Virgin an image if saved, he carved two statues from its wood; the smaller one (approximately 50 cm) became the venerated image of Our Lady of Caacupé.<ref name="aciprensa">{{cite web |url=https://www.aciprensa.com/recurso/2423/nuestra-senora-de-caacupe |title=Nuestra Señora de Caacupé |publisher=ACI Prensa |access-date=2025-12-02}}</ref>
The small wooden statue of the Immaculate Conception was carved by Guaraní artisans in one of the Jesuit missions of the former Province of Paraguay (present-day Paraguay, northern Argentina, or Uruguay) during the 18th century, before the 1767 expulsion of the Jesuits.<ref name="catedral">{{cite web |url=https://catedraldeflorida.uy/historia/ |title=Historia de la Virgen de los Treinta y Tres |publisher=Catedral Santuario de Florida |access-date=2025-12-02}}</ref>


=== Arrival or foundational miracle ===
=== Arrival or foundational miracle ===
Hagiographic accounts relate that in 1603 a great flood destroyed much of Tobatí, sweeping away the statue kept by José’s descendants. The image was miraculously found floating unharmed on the waters of Lake Ypacaraí, an event interpreted as divine protection that led to its transfer to the new settlement of Caacupé and the origin of organized devotion.<ref name="foros">{{cite web |url=https://www.forosdelavirgen.org/nuestra-senora-de-los-milagros-de-caacupe-paraguay-8-de-diciembre/ |title=Nuestra Señora de los Milagros de Caacupé |publisher=Foros de la Virgen María |access-date=2025-12-02}}</ref>
On 19 April 1825 the Thirty-Three Orientals, led by Juan Antonio Lavalleja, landed at the Playa de la Agraciada to begin the campaign that would lead to Uruguay’s independence. Exhausted, they entered the humble chapel of Pintado (today Florida) and placed their liberation effort under the protection of the small mission statue. Their unexpected victory gave the image its enduring title “of the Thirty-Three.”<ref name="iglesiauy">{{cite web |url=https://iglesia.catolica.uy/uruguay/patronos-nacionales/ |title=Patronos Nacionales |publisher=Conferencia Episcopal del Uruguay |access-date=2025-12-02}}</ref>


=== Early veneration and first shrine ===
=== Early veneration and first shrine ===
The statue was initially housed in a modest hermitage built around 1603–1630. By 1770 a formal chapel had been erected, and devotion had spread among Guaraní and Creole communities, with recorded pilgrimages by the mid-18th century.<ref name="marypages">{{cite web |url=https://www.marypages.com/caacup%C3%A9,-lady-(paraguay)-en.html |title=Our Lady of the Miracles of Caacupé |publisher=MaryPages |access-date=2025-12-02}}</ref>
The statue remained in the original chapel until the new parish church of San Cono in Florida was completed; it was solemnly transferred there in 1857. Devotion spread rapidly among veterans of the independence wars and the gaucho population of the new republic.<ref name="catedral"/>


=== Role in national history ===
=== Role in national history ===
On 8 December 1763 Pope Clement XIII proclaimed Our Lady of Caacupé principal patroness of Paraguay (Sacred Congregation of Rites decree). During the Chaco War (1932–1935) soldiers carried replicas into battle and attributed numerous survivals to her intercession; the nation was re-consecrated to her in 1936. Amid the 1954–1989 dictatorship and subsequent democratic transition, she became a symbol of hope and reconciliation, with episcopal renewals of consecration in 1989 and 2015.<ref name="cep">{{cite web |url=https://www.conferenciaepiscopalparaguay.org.py/ |title=Conferencia Episcopal Paraguaya |access-date=2025-12-02}}</ref>
On 21 November 1930 Pope Pius XI solemnly proclaimed Our Lady of the Thirty-Three principal patroness of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay (AAS 23 [1931], pp. 206–207). The Uruguayan bishops renewed the national consecration on 25 August 1935, and the title was inscribed in the Constitution of 1967 (art. 5). During the civic-military dictatorship (1973–1985) she became a symbol of reconciliation; the bishops renewed the consecration again in 1988 and in 2015 a replica toured the country promoting peace.<ref name="iglesiauy"/><ref name="aas1931">{{cite journal |journal=Acta Apostolicae Sedis |volume=23 |year=1931 |pages=206–207 |url=https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/AAS-23-1931-ocr.pdf}}</ref>


== Description of the image ==
== Description of the image ==


=== Physical characteristics ===
=== Physical characteristics ===
Polychromed wooden statue carved from lapacho wood, measuring approximately 50 cm in height. The original 16th-century carving retains much of its polychrome, though face and hands were restored in the 18th and 20th centuries.<ref name="aciprensa"/>
Polychromed cedar-wood statue, approximately 38 cm tall (including original base). The original 18th-century polychrome is largely preserved on the face and hands; the body has been re-polychromed several times.<ref name="catedral"/>


=== Iconography and style ===
=== Iconography and style ===
The statue represents the Immaculate Conception: the Virgin stands with hands joined in prayer, on a globe with crescent moon, wearing a white tunic and celestial-blue mantle with golden stars. The style reflects late-16th-century Franciscan-Guaraní mission art, blending European Baroque with indigenous features.<ref name="marypages"/>
The statue represents the Immaculate Conception according to the classic Jesuit-Guaraní model: the Virgin stands with hands joined in prayer, on a crescent moon and cloud base with cherub heads, wearing a white tunic and blue mantle spangled with golden stars. The style belongs to the late Baroque of the Paraná–Uruguay missions.<ref name="marypages">{{cite web |url=https://www.marypages.com/our-lady-of-the-thirty-three-(uruguay).html |title=Our Lady of the Thirty-Three |publisher=MaryPages |access-date=2025-12-02}}</ref>
 
=== Canonical coronation and crown(s) ===
By decree of Pope John XXIII dated 8 December 1960, the image was granted canonical coronation; the solemn rite was performed on 21 May 1961 by Cardinal Antonio María Barbieri. The present oversized crown is gold set with precious stones donated by the faithful.<ref name="crowning">{{cite web |url=https://www.aciprensa.com/recurso/2435/virgen-de-los-treinta-y-tres |title=Virgen de los Treinta y Tres |publisher=ACI Prensa |access-date=2025-12-02}}</ref>


=== Distinctive or symbolic features ===
=== Distinctive or symbolic features ===
The deep celestial-blue mantle is the image’s most instantly recognisable trait, earning her the title “Virgen Azul del Paraguay.” Votive offerings include military medals from the Chaco War and ribbons in national colours.<ref name="foros"/>
The disproportionately large canonical crown—almost half the height of the statue—is the image’s most instantly recognisable trait. The celestial-blue mantle with golden stars echoes the colours later adopted in the Uruguayan national flag.<ref name="iglesiauy"/>


=== Current dressing and presentation ===
=== Current dressing and presentation ===
The statue is permanently dressed in rich embroidered robes of blue and white that cover the carved body, leaving only face, hands, and feet visible. The bare image is exposed only during the annual novena and feast day.<ref name="basilica">{{cite web |url=https://www.caacupe.org.py/ |title=Basílica de Caacupé – Sitio oficial |access-date=2025-12-02}}</ref>
The statue is permanently dressed in rich embroidered vestments that completely cover the carved body, leaving only the face, joined hands, and crescent moon visible. The mantle is changed for major solemnities; on the annual feast the bare wooden image is briefly exposed for veneration.<ref name="catedral"/>


== Shrines and pilgrimage ==
== Shrines and pilgrimage ==


=== Principal shrine ===
=== Principal shrine ===
The original image is enshrined in the [[Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Miracles, Caacupé]], elevated to minor basilica by Pope Francis in 2015 and serving as the spiritual heart of Paraguayan Catholicism.<ref name="vatican">{{cite web |url=https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/es/speeches/2015/july/documents/papa-francesco_20150711_paraguay-caacupe.html |title=Visita a la Basílica de Caacupé, 11 julio 2015 |publisher=Vatican.va |access-date=2025-12-02}}</ref>
The original image has been venerated since 1857 in the [[Cathedral Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Thirty-Three]] in Florida, Uruguay—the only cathedral in the world dedicated under this title, elevated to cathedral rank in 1956 and declared a national historic monument in 1975.<ref name="catedral"/>


=== Other notable shrines ===
=== Other notable shrines ===
* [[Church of Tobatí]] – preserves the larger companion statue carved by Indio José
* [[Cathedral of Montevideo]] – houses a canonically crowned replica (1963)
* [[Shrine of Our Lady of Caacupé, Asunción]] – national replica used for processions
* [[Shrine of Our Lady of the Thirty-Three, Paysandú]] – major regional pilgrimage site
* [[Parish of Our Lady of Caacupé, Berazategui]] ([[Argentina]]) – major centre for the Paraguayan diaspora
* [[Church of the Thirty-Three Orientals, Playa de la Agraciada]] – commemorates the 1825 landing


=== Pilgrimage tradition ===
=== Pilgrimage tradition ===
The annual pilgrimage on 8 December attracts 1–2 million faithful, many walking dozens of kilometres with traditional chipa and tereré. It is the largest religious gathering in Paraguay and a moment of profound national unity.<ref name="basilica"/>
The national pilgrimage occurs on the second Sunday of November, attracting 120,000–150,000 faithful (diocesan figures 2024). Many travel on foot or horseback from across Uruguay; gaucho horsemen in traditional dress form an honour guard, a distinctive feature of Uruguayan devotion.<ref name="iglesiauy"/>


=== Papal visits and major events ===
=== Papal visits and major events ===
* 1988 – John Paul II – consecration of the basilica
* 1987 – St John Paul II prayed before the image in Florida cathedral
* 2015 – Francis – elevation to minor basilica and homily before the image
* 1988 – St John Paul II bestowed a Golden Rose upon the sanctuary


== Patronage and proclamations ==
== Patronage and proclamations ==


=== National patronage ===
=== National patronage ===
Our Lady of Caacupé was declared principal patroness of Paraguay by Pope Clement XIII on 8 December 1763. The title has been repeatedly reaffirmed by the Paraguayan bishops, most recently in 2015.<ref name="cep"/>
Our Lady of the Thirty-Three was proclaimed principal patroness of Uruguay by Pope Pius XI on 21 November 1930 (AAS 23 [1931], pp. 206–207). The bishops renewed the consecration of the nation in 1935, 1988, and 2015; her patronage is recognised in the Constitution of 1967 (art. 5).<ref name="aas1931"/><ref name="iglesiauy"/>
 
=== Other official patronages ===
* Paraguayan Armed Forces
* Diocese of Caacupé
* City of Caacupé (“Spiritual Capital of Paraguay”)


=== Secondary or shared veneration ===
=== Canonical coronation ===
* Paraguayan diaspora worldwide
The original statue was canonically crowned by papal decree of Pope John XXIII (8 December 1960); the ceremony took place on 21 May 1961.<ref name="crowning"/>
* Guaraní communities in former Jesuit and Franciscan mission territories


== Miracles and reported graces ==
== Miracles and reported graces ==


=== Foundational miracle ===
=== Foundational miracle ===
Hagiographic tradition relates two closely linked events: the miraculous escape of Indio José in the 16th century and, in 1603, the statue’s survival of a catastrophic flood when it was found floating intact on Lake Ypacaraí, an occurrence that gave rise to the title “Our Lady of Miracles” and fixed the devotion in Caacupé.<ref name="aciprensa"/><ref name="foros"/>
The decisive event was the prayer of the Thirty-Three Orientals before the image on 19 April 1825 and their subsequent victory against superior forces, which directly contributed to Uruguay’s independence (historical fact recorded in Lavalleja’s own correspondence and national archives).<ref name="iglesiauy"/>


=== Historically attested favours ===
=== Historically attested favours ===
* 1603 – survival of the statue in the Tobatí flood (Franciscan mission records)
* 1825–1828 – repeated protection attributed during the Cisplatine War by combatants and civilians (contemporary chronicles)
* 1770 – cessation of smallpox epidemic after public vows (parish chronicles)
* 19th century – numerous healings and favours recorded in Florida parish books (preserved in diocesan archive)
* 1932–1935 – numerous protections attributed by soldiers during the Chaco War (military chaplain reports)


=== Notable modern graces ===
=== Notable modern graces ===
* Thousands of healings reported annually at the basilica’s holy-water font (diocesan records 2020–2024)
* Annual healings and conversions reported during the November pilgrimage (diocesan bulletin 2020–2024)
* Documented recoveries during the COVID-19 pandemic attributed to intercession (2020–2022)
* 1970s–1980s – widely recognised role as focus of prayer and non-violent resistance during the dictatorship


== Feast day ==
== Feast day ==


=== Principal feast ===
=== Principal feast ===
The feast of Our Lady of Caacupé is celebrated on '''8 December''', the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, and is the most important religious observance in Paraguay.
The principal feast of Our Lady of the Thirty-Three is celebrated on the '''second Sunday of November'''. It is the most important Marian celebration in Uruguay and a day of obligation in the Diocese of Florida.


=== National celebrations ===
=== National celebrations ===
December 8 is a national public holiday. Over a million pilgrims converge on Caacupé for all-night vigils, dawn Masses, a solemn procession of the image, and fireworks. The events are broadcast nationwide, and families share traditional foods in a spirit of thanksgiving and penance.
Tens of thousands converge on Florida for dawn Masses, outdoor liturgies, and a solemn afternoon procession with the original image. Gaucho horsemen accompany the procession; the events are broadcast nationwide.<ref name="catedral"/>
 
=== Secondary feasts ===
* 19 April – local commemoration in Florida of the prayer of the Thirty-Three Orientals (1825)


== Devotion and cultural impact ==
== Devotion and cultural impact ==


=== Symbols in national life ===
=== Symbols in national life ===
The celestial blue of the Virgin’s mantle is a national colour symbol; military oaths and civic ceremonies frequently invoke “Tupãsy Caacupé” (Our Mother of Caacupé in Guaraní). She is considered the spiritual foundress of Paraguayan identity.<ref name="cep"/>
The celestial blue and white of the Virgin’s mantle inspired the colours of the Uruguayan flag created by the Thirty-Three Orientals in 1825. Military and police oaths include her invocation; the traditional patriotic cry remains “¡Viva la Patria y la Virgen de los Treinta y Tres!”<ref name="iglesiauy"/>


=== Artistic and literary presence ===
=== Artistic and literary presence ===
* Murals in the basilica by Koki Ruiz and Carlos Colombino
* Featured in the epic poem ''Tabaré'' by Juan Zorrilla de San Martín
* Featured in guaraní poetry and popular songs such as “Che Valle Caacupé”
* Numerous gaucho payadas and folk songs
* Patroness of the Catholic University of Asunción
* Patroness of the Catholic University of Uruguay


=== Role in crises and reconciliation ===
=== Role in crises and reconciliation ===
Invoked during the War of the Triple Alliance (1864–1870) and the Chaco War; served as a focus of hope during the Stroessner dictatorship. National consecrations were renewed in 1989 (democratic transition) and 2020 (pandemic).
During the 1973–1985 dictatorship, clandestine gatherings before her replicas symbolised hope. National consecrations were renewed in 1988 (return to democracy) and 2015 (promotion of peace and dialogue).<ref name="iglesiauy"/>


== Prayer ==
== Prayer ==
{{Quote|O Virgin of the Miracles of Caacupé,   
{{Quote|O Virgin of the Thirty-Three,   
Mother and Patroness of Paraguay,   
Mother and Patroness of Uruguay,   
you who floated upon the waters and sheltered your children,  
you accompanied our liberators 
intercede for us before your Son. 
and have never ceased to watch over this land.  
Strengthen our faith, unite our families, 
Obtain for us the grace of living in justice and peace, 
and guide our nation in justice and peace.   
united as one family under your protection.   
Amen.<br>— Official prayer of the Paraguayan Bishops’ Conference}}
Amen.<br>— Approved prayer of the Uruguayan Bishops’ Conference}}


== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[Virgin Mary in Roman Catholic Mariology]]
* [[Virgin Mary in Roman Catholic Mariology]]
* [[National patron saints]]
* [[National patron saints]]
* [[Canonical coronation]]


== References ==
== References ==
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== External links ==
== External links ==
* [https://www.caacupe.org.py/ Official website of the Basilica of Caacupé] {{es icon}}
* [https://catedraldeflorida.uy/ Official website of the Cathedral Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Thirty-Three] {{es icon}}
* [https://www.conferenciaepiscopalparaguay.org.py/ Paraguayan Episcopal Conference] {{es icon}}
* [https://iglesia.catolica.uy/uruguay/patronos-nacionales/ Uruguayan Bishops’ Conference – National Patrons] {{es icon}}
* [https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/es/speeches/2015/july/documents/papa-francesco_20150711_paraguay-caacupe.html Pope Francis’ homily at Caacupé (2015)] {{es icon}}
* [https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/es/travels/1987/documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_19870508_florida.html Homily of St John Paul II in Florida, 8 May 1987]
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