Our Lady of Altagracia
Our Lady of Altagracia (Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia) is a title of the Blessed Virgin Mary honoured as the principal patroness of the Dominican Republic. The late-15th or early-16th-century oil-on-canvas painting of the Nativity of Jesus with Mary in adoration, distinguished by its luminous orange tree and protective mantle, has been venerated since the early 16th century at the Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia in Higüey, Dominican Republic.
| Our Lady of Altagracia | |
| Feast Day | January 21 |
|---|---|
| Country | Dominican Republic |
| Patronage | Dominican Republic |
| Primary Shrine | Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia Higüey, La Altagracia Province |
| Shrine Coordinates | 18.6158, -68.7158 |
| Origin / Discovery | late 15th / early 16th century |
| Proclaimed Patron | January 21, 1920 |
| Canonical Coronation | August 15, 1922 |
| Image Type | Oil painting on canvas |
| Height | 33 cm × 45 cm (canvas) |
| Attributes | Mary adoring the Child Jesus; orange tree background; protective mantle; star on forehead |
| Associated Countries | |
History
Origin of the image
According to longstanding hagiographic tradition preserved in diocesan chronicles, the painting was brought to the island of Hispaniola by Spanish settlers Alonso and Antonio Trejo around 1502–1506. When asked for an image of the Virgin of Altagracia (promised by their father), it miraculously appeared in an orange tree at their home in Higüey, an event interpreted as divine confirmation. Historical verification of the exact date and provenance remains limited, but the canvas is recognised as one of the earliest Marian images in the Americas.
Arrival or foundational miracle
Hagiographic accounts relate that in 1691, during the Battle of La Limonade against French forces, Dominican troops invoked Our Lady of Altagracia; the enemy fled after seeing a mysterious woman in the sky, a victory attributed to her protection and documented in colonial military reports.
Early veneration and first shrine
The painting was enshrined in a small hermitage in Higüey by the early 16th century. Devotion spread rapidly among Spanish settlers and indigenous converts; the first formal sanctuary was built in 1572, replaced by larger structures in 1650 and 1954–1971 (current basilica).
Role in national history
Pope Pius XI proclaimed Our Lady of Altagracia principal patroness and protectress of the Dominican Republic on January 21, 1920. The image was canonically crowned on August 15, 1922 by decree of the same pope. During the Trujillo dictatorship (1930–1961), she remained a symbol of hope; the bishops renewed national consecration in 1978 and 2021.
Description of the image
Physical characteristics
Oil painting on thin canvas, measuring 33 cm × 45 cm (visible image) within an ornate 16th-century frame. The canvas has been restored several times, most notably in 1972, to preserve the delicate original.
Iconography and style
The painting depicts the Nativity: the Child Jesus lies in a manger glowing with light, while Mary, dressed in a blue mantle with gold stars, kneels in adoration. St Joseph stands behind with a candle; an orange tree in bloom fills the background. The style reflects late-medieval Spanish devotional art with Byzantine influences.
Canonical coronation and crown(s)
Canonically crowned by papal decree of Pope Pius XI; the solemn coronation took place on August 15, 1922 in Higüey.
Distinctive or symbolic features
The luminous orange tree (symbolising the miracle of its appearance) and the protective mantle with a prominent star on Mary’s forehead are instantly recognisable. The tender gaze of Mary toward the Child is iconic in Dominican piety.
Current dressing and presentation
The painting is permanently framed in a rich gold and jewel-encrusted setting; a protective glass covers the canvas. It is displayed in a high camarín behind the basilica’s main altar, visible for veneration.
Shrines and pilgrimage
Principal shrine
The original painting is enshrined in the Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia in Higüey, consecrated in 1971 and the spiritual heart of Dominican Catholicism.
Other notable shrines
- Cathedral of Santo Domingo – houses a replica
- Shrines in Dominican diaspora communities (especially New York and Puerto Rico)
Pilgrimage tradition
The national pilgrimage occurs on January 21, attracting over 500,000 faithful (diocesan figures 2024). Many walk long distances from across the island in fulfilment of vows; the day features all-night vigils, Masses, and processions.
Patronage and proclamations
National patronage
Our Lady of Altagracia was solemnly proclaimed principal patroness and protectress of the Dominican Republic by Pope Pius XI on January 21, 1920. The title is inscribed in the national coat of arms and recognised in civil law.
Canonical coronation
The original painting was canonically crowned by papal decree of Pope Pius XI; the ceremony took place on August 15, 1922.
Miracles and reported graces
Foundational miracle
Hagiographic tradition holds that the painting miraculously appeared in an orange tree in Higüey in the early 16th century when sought by the Trejo brothers (diocesan chronicles). The decisive 1691 victory at the Battle of La Limonade is documented in colonial records as attributed to her intercession.
Historically attested favours
- 1691 – protection during the Battle of La Limonade (military and ecclesiastical reports)
- 18th–19th centuries – numerous healings and protections recorded in Higüey parish books
Notable modern graces
- Annual healings and favours reported during the January 21 pilgrimage (diocesan testimonies 2020–2024)
- Intercessions attributed during national crises
Feast day
Principal feast
The feast of Our Lady of Altagracia is celebrated on January 21 and is a national public holiday in the Dominican Republic.
National celebrations
Hundreds of thousands converge on Higüey for all-night vigils, dawn Masses, and a solemn procession of the framed image. The events are broadcast nationwide; families wear white and blue in her honour.
Devotion and cultural impact
Symbols in national life
Her image appears on the national coat of arms, currency, and public seals; the phrase “¡Protege a tu pueblo, Madre de la Altagracia!” is a common invocation.
Role in crises and reconciliation
During the Trujillo era and the 1965 civil war, devotion provided spiritual resistance and hope; she remains a unifying symbol of Dominican identity.
Prayer
O Virgin of Altagracia,
Mother and Protectress of the Dominican people,
you who appeared among the orange blossoms
and shielded your children in battle,
intercede for us before your Son.
Grant us faith, unity, and peace.
Amen.
— Official prayer of the Dominican Bishops’ Conference