Our Lady of Muxima
Our Lady of Muxima (Nossa Senhora da Muxima) is a title of the Blessed Virgin Mary honoured as the principal patroness of Angola. The 16th–17th-century wooden statue of the Immaculate Conception, distinguished by its dark complexion and the miraculous healing spring at her sanctuary, has been venerated since the late 16th century at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Muxima in Muxima, Angola.
| Our Lady of Muxima | |
| Feast Day | First Sunday of September and August 15 |
|---|---|
| Country | Angola |
| Patronage | Angola |
| Primary Shrine | Sanctuary of Our Lady of Muxima Muxima, Bengo Province |
| Shrine Coordinates | -9.5142, 13.9556 |
| Origin / Discovery | late 16th / early 17th century |
| Proclaimed Patron | May 25, 2019 |
| Canonical Coronation | September 3, 2023 |
| Image Type | Wooden statue (dark polychrome) |
| Height | approx. 90 cm |
| Attributes | Dark complexion; hands joined in prayer; crescent moon; miraculous healing spring |
| Associated Countries | |
History
Origin of the image
According to established tradition preserved in Portuguese colonial records and Angolan oral history, the statue was brought from Brazil (likely Salvador da Bahia) by Portuguese missionaries between 1580 and 1650. It was installed in the fortress-church of Muxima (“Heart” in Kimbundu) on the Kwanza River, built in 1599, where devotion began among African converts and Portuguese settlers.
Arrival or foundational miracle
Shortly after its arrival, a spring of fresh water appeared beneath the church altar, credited with numerous healings. The water continues to flow today and is regarded as a permanent sign of the Virgin’s presence, documented in missionary chronicles from the 17th century onward.
Early veneration and first shrine
The fortress-church of Muxima became a pilgrimage site by the late 17th century. Despite destruction during the Dutch occupation (1641–1648) and later conflicts, the statue survived intact, reinforcing belief in its protective power. The sanctuary was rebuilt several times, with major restoration after Angola’s independence in 1975.
Role in national history
During the long Angolan Civil War (1975–2002), the sanctuary remained a neutral place of prayer and reconciliation. Pope Francis formally proclaimed Our Lady of Muxima principal patroness of Angola on May 25, 2019. The original statue received canonical coronation on September 3, 2023, by decree of Pope Francis.
Description of the image
Physical characteristics
Polychromed wooden statue, approximately 90 cm tall, carved in colonial Brazilian style with dark complexion. The original polychrome has been restored several times.
Iconography and style
The statue represents the Immaculate Conception: the Virgin stands with hands joined in prayer, eyes lowered, on a crescent moon with cherub heads. The dark skin tone reflects the African context of devotion.
Canonical coronation and crown(s)
Canonically crowned by papal decree of Pope Francis; the solemn coronation took place on September 3, 2023.
Distinctive or symbolic features
The dark complexion (“Mãe Preta” – Black Mother) and the miraculous healing spring beneath the altar are the most recognisable traits. Pilgrims collect water in bottles as a sacramental.
Current dressing and presentation
The statue is permanently dressed in rich embroidered vestments of white and blue, changed for major feasts. The bare image is exposed only on rare occasions.
Shrines and pilgrimage
Principal shrine
The original statue is enshrined in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Muxima, the oldest Marian sanctuary south of the equator and Angola’s premier pilgrimage site.
Other notable shrines
- Cathedral of Luanda – houses a replica
- Shrines in Angolan diaspora communities (especially Portugal and Brazil)
Pilgrimage tradition
The largest pilgrimage occurs on the first Sunday of September, attracting 500,000–1 million faithful (diocesan estimates 2024). Many walk up to 100 km; the sanctuary becomes a sea of white and blue clothing, with baptisms, weddings, and healings at the spring.
Patronage and proclamations
National patronage
Our Lady of Muxima was proclaimed principal patroness of Angola by Pope Francis on May 25, 2019. The Angolan bishops renewed the consecration of the nation on September 3, 2023.
Canonical coronation
The original statue was canonically crowned by papal decree of Pope Francis; the ceremony took place on September 3, 2023.
Miracles and reported graces
Foundational miracle
The sudden appearance of the healing spring beneath the altar shortly after the statue’s arrival in the late 16th / early 17th century, documented in Portuguese missionary reports.
Historically attested favours
- 17th century – multiple healings from the spring during epidemics (colonial records)
- 1641–1648 – survival of the statue during Dutch destruction of the fortress-church
Notable modern graces
- Thousands of healings reported annually at the miraculous spring (sanctuary records 2020–2024)
- Role as a place of reconciliation during and after the civil war
Feast day
Principal feast
The main popular feast is the first Sunday of September, with the liturgical feast of the Assumption celebrated on August 15.
National celebrations
The September pilgrimage is the largest religious gathering in Angola, marked by all-night vigils, Masses, baptisms, and processions to the spring for blessings with the miraculous water.
Devotion and cultural impact
Symbols in national life
Known as the “Mãe Preta de Angola,” she symbolises maternal protection and racial unity. The sanctuary is considered the spiritual heart of the nation.
Role in crises and reconciliation
During the civil war, Muxima remained a neutral sanctuary where warring factions laid down arms to pray. It continues to be a symbol of peace and national healing.
Prayer
O Virgin of Muxima,
Black Mother of Angola,
you who made the healing waters flow
and sheltered your children in times of war,
intercede for us before your Son.
Bring peace to our land,
health to the sick,
and unity to our people.
Amen.
— Prayer of the Angolan Bishops’ Conference