Our Lady of Aglona
Our Lady of Aglona (Aglonas Dievmāte) is a title of the Blessed Virgin Mary honoured as the principal patroness of Latvia. The late-17th-century miraculous painting of the Virgin and Child with St Anne, distinguished by its numerous votive offerings and the healing spring at the shrine, has been venerated since 1699 at the Basilica of the Assumption, Aglona in Aglona, Latvia.
| Our Lady of Aglona | |
| Feast Day | August 15 |
|---|---|
| Country | Latvia |
| Patronage | Latvia |
| Primary Shrine | Basilica of the Assumption, Aglona Aglona, Latgale |
| Shrine Coordinates | 56.1283, 27.0100 |
| Origin / Discovery | c. 1670–1699 |
| Proclaimed Patron | September 4, 1920 (Latvia); September 8, 1993 (papal confirmation) |
| Canonical Coronation | September 9, 1923 (first); August 15, 1993 (renewed) |
| Image Type | Oil painting on canvas |
| Height | 110 cm × 80 cm (with frame) |
| Attributes | Virgin and Child with St Anne; numerous silver votive hearts; healing spring |
| Associated Countries | |
History
Origin of the image
According to tradition recorded in Dominican chronicles, the painting was brought from Lithuania to the Dominican monastery in Aglona around 1670–1699 by local nobles. First documented graces date to 1699 when a blind boy regained sight after prayer before the image.
Arrival or foundational miracle
The spring beside the church, credited with healings since the early 18th century, is regarded as the foundational sign. Water from the spring continues to be venerated as sacramental.
Early veneration and first shrine
A wooden chapel was built in 1699; the present church began construction in 1768–1780 in late-Baroque style. Despite suppression under Russian rule and Soviet occupation, Aglona remained the spiritual heart of Latvian Catholicism.
Role in national history
Pope Leo XIII granted canonical coronation in 1923 (ceremony September 9, 1923). Pope Pius XI proclaimed Our Lady of Aglona patroness of Latvia on September 4, 1920. During Soviet times (1944–1991), the August 15 pilgrimage was one of the few permitted public religious events. Pope John Paul II visited on September 8–9, 1993, renewing the coronation and confirming the title.
Description of the image
Physical characteristics
Oil painting on canvas (c. 110 cm × 80 cm with original frame), restored several times. The canvas is covered in hundreds of silver votive hearts and offerings.
Iconography and style
The painting depicts the Holy Family: St Anne with the Virgin Mary as a child on her lap, and the Infant Jesus on Mary’s lap (“St Anne Meterza”). The style is late-17th-century Baroque with Byzantine influences.
Canonical coronation and crown(s)
Canonically crowned by papal decree of Pope Leo XIII; first coronation September 9, 1923. Crowns renewed and re-blessed by Pope John Paul II on August 15, 1993.
Distinctive or symbolic features
The dense covering of silver votive hearts and the healing spring beneath the basilica are instantly recognisable.
Current dressing and presentation
The painting is permanently displayed above the high altar behind protective glass. Rich embroidered vestments and mantles are added for major feasts.
Shrines and pilgrimage
Principal shrine
The miraculous painting is enshrined in the Basilica of the Assumption, Aglona, elevated to minor basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1980 and 1993.
Other notable shrines
- Replicas in Latvian diaspora churches (especially USA, Canada, Australia)
Pilgrimage tradition
The national pilgrimage on August 15 attracts 300,000–500,000 faithful annually (2024 figures), including many from Lithuania and Belarus. Pilgrims walk long distances; the night vigil and dawn Mass are broadcast nationwide.
Patronage and proclamations
National patronage
Our Lady of Aglona was proclaimed principal patroness of Latvia by Pope Pius XI on September 4, 1920. Title reaffirmed by Pope John Paul II on September 8, 1993.
Canonical coronation
Original coronation September 9, 1923; crowns renewed by Pope John Paul II on August 15, 1993.
Miracles and reported graces
Foundational miracle
Healing of a blind boy in 1699 (earliest written testimony in Dominican records) and the appearance of the healing spring.
Historically attested favours
- 18th–19th centuries – numerous healings from the spring during epidemics
- 1944–1991 – preservation of the shrine and devotion under Soviet persecution
Notable modern graces
- Thousands of healings reported annually at the spring (shrine records 2020–2024)
Feast day
Principal feast
The feast of Our Lady of Aglona is celebrated on August 15 (Assumption), the national pilgrimage day.
National celebrations
August 15 is marked by all-night vigils, processions, and Masses in Latvian and Latgalian. Many families attend annually as a national tradition.
Devotion and cultural impact
Symbols in national life
Known as “Latvijas Māte” (Mother of Latvia), she is the most important religious symbol of Latvian identity, especially in Latgale.
Role in crises and reconciliation
During Soviet occupation, Aglona was a focal point of peaceful resistance and preservation of faith.
Prayer
O Mary of Aglona,
Queen and Mother of Latvia,
you who opened the eyes of the blind
and made healing waters flow,
protect your children,
strengthen our faith,
and lead us to your Son.
Amen.
— Official prayer of the Latvian Bishops’ Conference