Our Lady of Meritxell
Our Lady of Meritxell (Nostra Senyora de Meritxell) is a title of the Blessed Virgin Mary honoured as the principal patroness of Andorra. The 12th-century Romanesque wooden statue of the Virgin and Child, distinguished by its serene smile and the miraculous survival of roses in winter, has been venerated since the late 12th century at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Meritxell in Meritxell, Andorra.
| Our Lady of Meritxell | |
| Feast Day | September 8 |
|---|---|
| Country | Andorra |
| Patronage | Andorra |
| Primary Shrine | Sanctuary of Our Lady of Meritxell Meritxell, Canillo Parish |
| Shrine Coordinates | 42.5553, 1.5906 |
| Origin / Discovery | late 12th century |
| Proclaimed Patron | January 15, 1873 (official); 1914 (papal confirmation) |
| Canonical Coronation | September 8, 1976 (new statue) |
| Image Type | Romanesque wooden statue (original destroyed 1972; faithful replica) |
| Height | approx. 83 cm |
| Attributes | Seated Virgin with Child on left knee; serene smile; winter roses miracle |
| Associated Countries | |
History
Origin of the image
According to tradition preserved in Andorran oral history and the 14th-century “Manual Digest,” the original Romanesque statue was discovered in the late 12th century by shepherds who followed a trail of blooming wild roses in mid-winter to a hidden chapel in Meritxell. The statue was moved three times to nearby churches, but each morning it miraculously returned to the rose-covered site, indicating the Virgin’s desire for a sanctuary there.
Arrival or foundational miracle
The miracle of the winter roses blooming on January 6 (Epiphany) and the statue’s repeated return to the same spot are considered the foundational signs. These events are recorded in the earliest written accounts from the 13th–14th centuries.
Early veneration and first shrine
A small Romanesque chapel was built on the site before 1176; it was enlarged in the 17th century. The devotion spread throughout the valleys of Andorra and into Catalonia. The original statue was destroyed by fire on the night of September 8–9, 1972; a faithful replica carved by Josep Viladomat was enthroned in the new sanctuary designed by Ricardo Bofill and consecrated in 1976.
Role in national history
The General Council of the Valleys officially declared Our Lady of Meritxell patroness of Andorra on January 15, 1873; Pope St Pius X confirmed the title in 1914. The 1972 fire occurred on the national feast day, yet no one was harmed and the bells rang by themselves—an event interpreted as a sign of continued protection. Pope Francis granted canonical coronation to the replica statue in 2014 (ceremony September 8, 2016, delayed to 1976 for the new image).
Description of the image
Physical characteristics
Romanesque limewood statue (replica), approximately 83 cm tall, seated on a throne-like chair. The replica faithfully reproduces the original’s proportions and serene expression.
Iconography and style
The Virgin is seated with the Child Jesus on her left knee; both figures smile gently. The style is characteristic of 12th-century Pyrenean Romanesque “Mare de Déu” images.
Canonical coronation and crown(s)
The replica statue was canonically crowned by papal decree of Pope Francis (2014); the solemn coronation took place on September 8, 1976 (new sanctuary) and reaffirmed in 2016.
Distinctive or symbolic features
The gentle, serene smile of both Mother and Child and the tradition of winter roses are instantly recognisable. The statue is often depicted surrounded by blooming roses.
Current dressing and presentation
The statue is permanently dressed in rich embroidered mantles of white and blue, changed seasonally. The bare wooden image is exposed on major feasts.
Shrines and pilgrimage
Principal shrine
The replica statue is enshrined in the modern Sanctuary of Our Lady of Meritxell, designed by Ricardo Bofill and consecrated on September 8, 1976—Andorra’s national sanctuary.
Other notable shrines
- Old Romanesque chapel ruins preserved beside the new sanctuary
- Replicas in Andorran parish churches
Pilgrimage tradition
The national pilgrimage occurs on September 8, attracting virtually the entire population of Andorra plus visitors from Catalonia and France. Families walk from all seven parishes carrying traditional offerings.
Patronage and proclamations
National patronage
Our Lady of Meritxell has been the official patroness of the Principality of Andorra since January 15, 1873 (act of the General Council), confirmed by the Holy See in 1914.
Canonical coronation
The replica statue was canonically crowned on September 8, 1976 (new sanctuary inauguration) under decree later reaffirmed by Pope Francis in 2014.
Miracles and reported graces
Foundational miracle
The discovery of the statue surrounded by blooming roses in mid-winter and its miraculous return to the site three times (13th–14th-century tradition).
Historically attested favours
- 17th–19th centuries – numerous protections during avalanches and fires recorded in parish books
Notable modern graces
- 1972 – no loss of life in the fire that destroyed the old sanctuary on the national feast day
Feast day
Principal feast
The national feast of Our Lady of Meritxell is celebrated on September 8 and is the National Day of Andorra (public holiday).
National celebrations
September 8 is marked by official ceremonies, Masses in all parishes, and the traditional pilgrimage to Meritxell. The day combines religious devotion with national identity celebrations.
Devotion and cultural impact
Symbols in national life
Her image appears on the Andorran coat of arms with the motto “Virtus Unita Fortior.” She is the unifying symbol of Andorran identity.
Role in crises and reconciliation
Throughout centuries of political changes and natural disasters, devotion has remained a constant expression of Andorran sovereignty and faith.
Prayer
O Virgin of Meritxell,
Patroness and Queen of Andorra,
you who made roses bloom in winter
and chose our valleys as your home,
protect your people,
keep us united in faith and love,
and guide us to your Son.
Amen.
— Official prayer of the Bishop of Urgell (Co-Prince of Andorra)