Our Lady of Coromoto
Our Lady of Coromoto (Nuestra Señora de Coromoto) is a title of the Blessed Virgin Mary honoured as the principal patroness of Venezuela. The 1652 parchment relic measuring only 2.5 cm, distinguished by its miraculous preservation, has been venerated since 1952 at the National Sanctuary Basilica of Our Lady of Coromoto in Guanare, Venezuela.
| Our Lady of Coromoto | |
| Feast Day | September 11 and February 2 |
|---|---|
| Country | Venezuela |
| Patronage | Venezuela |
| Primary Shrine | National Sanctuary Basilica of Our Lady of Coromoto Guanare, Portuguesa State |
| Shrine Coordinates | 9.0439, -69.7472 |
| Origin / Discovery | September 8, 1652 |
| Proclaimed Patron | May 1, 1942 |
| Canonical Coronation | September 11, 1952 |
| Image Type | Parchment relic |
| Height | 2.5 cm |
| Attributes | Miraculously preserved image of Mary holding the Child Jesus |
| Associated Countries | |
History
Origin of the image
On September 8, 1652, the Blessed Virgin appeared to the Cospes (Coro-moto) indigenous chief and his wife in the forests near Guanare, instructing them in Spanish: “Go to the white people so that they may pour water on your head and thus you may go to heaven.” A second apparition occurred on September 11, 1652; when the chief attempted to seize her, she vanished, leaving in his hand a small parchment bearing her image with the Child Jesus. This account is preserved in the 1655–1660 baptismal records and the 1710 episcopal inquiry.[1]
Arrival or foundational miracle
The parchment relic—miraculously preserved without human intervention for over 370 years—remains perfectly intact despite its age and the humid climate, an ongoing sign recognised in the canonical processes.[2]
Early veneration and first shrine
The image was kept privately until 1784, when it was transferred to the parish church of Guanare. Devotion spread rapidly among indigenous and Creole communities; the first chapel was built in 1789, and a larger sanctuary completed in 1996.
Role in national history
Pope Pius XI proclaimed Our Lady of Coromoto principal patroness of Venezuela on May 1, 1942. The image was canonically crowned on September 11, 1952. The sanctuary was elevated to national shrine in 1949 and minor basilica by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007. During the political crises of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, she has been invoked as a symbol of unity and peace.
Description of the image
Physical characteristics
Tiny parchment relic measuring approximately 2.5 cm, depicting the Virgin seated with the Child Jesus on her lap. The image remains perfectly preserved despite centuries of exposure.
Iconography and style
The Virgin is shown crowned, holding the Child who raises his hand in blessing. The style reflects colonial Spanish miniature art with indigenous influences in facial features.
Canonical coronation and crown(s)
Canonically crowned by papal decree of Pope Pius XII; the solemn coronation took place on September 11, 1952.
Distinctive or symbolic features
Its minuscule size and miraculous preservation over 370 years are the most striking traits. The seated posture of Mary with the Child on her lap is unique among major Latin American Marian images.
Current dressing and presentation
The relic is encased in a gold and jewel-encrusted reliquary behind the basilica’s high altar. It is exposed for veneration during major feasts and carried in procession in a special ostensorium.
Shrines and pilgrimage
Principal shrine
The miraculous parchment is permanently enshrined in the National Sanctuary Basilica of Our Lady of Coromoto in Guanare, elevated to minor basilica by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007 and consecrated in 1996.
Other notable shrines
- Cathedral of Guanare – housed the image 1784–1954
- Shrine of Our Lady of Coromoto, Caracas – replica crowned 1988
Pilgrimage tradition
The largest national pilgrimages occur on September 11 (anniversary of the canonical coronation) and February 2, with hundreds of thousands walking from across Venezuela, many carrying the national flag.
Papal visits and major events
- 1996 – St John Paul II – consecration of the new basilica
Patronage and proclamations
National patronage
Our Lady of Coromoto was declared principal patroness of Venezuela by Pope Pius XI on May 1, 1942. The Venezuelan bishops renewed the consecration of the nation in 1952, 2002, and 2011.
Canonical coronation
The original relic was canonically crowned by papal decree of Pope Pius XII; the ceremony took place on September 11, 1952.
Miracles and reported graces
Foundational miracle
On September 8, 1652, the Virgin appeared to the Cospes chief Coromoto. When he tried to seize her on September 11, she disappeared, leaving in his hand a small parchment bearing her image. The relic has remained perfectly preserved without human intervention for over 370 years.[2]
Historically attested favours
- 1654 – healing of Chief Coromoto after snakebite upon receiving baptism
- 1784 – miraculous preservation during transfer to Guanare Cathedral
- 1811 – protection of Guanare from earthquake damage
Notable modern graces
- Thousands of documented healings at the National Sanctuary’s water fountain
- 2020–2025 – numerous recoveries attributed to novenas during national crises
Feast day
Principal feast
The principal feasts are September 11 (canonical coronation) and February 2 (commemoration of the chief’s baptism).
National celebrations
September 11 draws the largest crowds with all-night vigils, Masses, and processions of the relic. February 2 features indigenous dances and baptisms in remembrance of Chief Coromoto.
Devotion and cultural impact
Symbols in national life
Known as the “Patrona de Venezuela,” her image appears on currency, military insignia, and public monuments; the phrase “¡Virgen de Coromoto, ruega por Venezuela!” is a common prayer.
Role in crises and reconciliation
Invoked during independence struggles and contemporary political challenges; serves as a unifying symbol for indigenous and Creole Venezuelans.
Prayer
O Virgin of Coromoto,
Patroness of Venezuela,
you who appeared in the forest
and left your image as a pledge of love,
intercede for your children.
Guide us to baptismal grace,
preserve our faith,
and obtain peace for our land.
Amen.
— Official prayer of the Venezuelan Bishops’ Conference