Our Lady of Peace
| Our Lady of Peace | |
| Feast Day | November 21 |
|---|---|
| Country | El Salvador |
| Patronage | El Salvador |
| Primary Shrine | Cathedral Basilica of Queen of Peace, San Miguel San Miguel |
| Shrine Coordinates | 13.4833, -88.1739 |
| Origin / Discovery | 1682 |
| Proclaimed Patron | October 10, 1966 |
| Canonical Coronation | November 21, 1921 |
| Image Type | Wooden statue |
| Height | |
| Attributes | Golden palm branch; white robe with embroidered national shield; Child Jesus on left arm |
| Associated Countries | |
Our Lady of Peace (Nuestra Señora de la Paz) is a title of the Blessed Virgin Mary honoured as the principal patroness of El Salvador. The 17th-century wooden statue of the Immaculate Conception, distinguished by its golden palm branch commemorating the averted volcanic eruption, has been venerated since 1682 at the Cathedral Basilica of Queen of Peace, San Miguel in San Miguel, El Salvador.
History
Origin of the image
According to established tradition, the wooden statue of the Immaculate Conception was shipped from Guatemala in 1682, arriving in a crate at the port of San Miguel, El Salvador. Hagiographic accounts hold that its discovery in an abandoned box amid local conflicts led the combatants to lay down their arms upon hearing of the find, inspiring the title "Our Lady of Peace." This reflects longstanding Catholic piety, though historical verification of the exact circumstances remains limited to parish chronicles.
Arrival or foundational miracle
In December 1787, the Chaparrastique volcano erupted, threatening San Miguel with lava flows. The faithful processed the statue to the cathedral door; according to diocesan records and contemporary accounts, the lava flow changed direction at that moment, sparing the city—a miracle attributed to the Virgin's intercession and commemorated by the golden palm branch added to the image.
Early veneration and first shrine
The statue was enshrined in the parish church of San Miguel upon arrival in 1682. Devotion grew rapidly, with the image credited for ending local hostilities and protecting the region. A new cathedral was constructed in the 19th century to house it permanently.
Role in national history
Pope Benedict XV authorized the canonical coronation of the image, carried out on November 21, 1921. On October 10, 1966, Pope Paul VI, through the Sacred Congregation of Rites, declared Our Lady of Peace principal patroness of the Republic of El Salvador. During the Salvadoran Civil War (1980–1992), she became a symbol of reconciliation, invoked in peace efforts; the bishops renewed national consecration in postwar years.
Description of the image
Physical characteristics
Polychromed wooden statue, vested in rich robes covering the carved body except for face and hands. The original 17th-century carving shows colonial Guatemalan influences.
Iconography and style
The statue depicts the Immaculate Conception: the Virgin holds the Child Jesus on her left arm, with her right hand grasping a golden palm branch symbolizing the 1787 volcanic miracle. She wears a white robe embroidered with the national shield and a blue mantle.
Canonical coronation and crown(s)
Canonically crowned by papal decree of Pope Benedict XV; the solemn coronation took place on November 21, 1921.
Distinctive or symbolic features
The golden palm branch in the Virgin's right hand commemorates the diversion of lava from the 1787 Chaparrastique eruption. The embroidered national shield on her robe signifies her role as patroness of El Salvador.
Current dressing and presentation
The image is permanently dressed in ornate vestments of white and blue, changed for major feasts. The bare statue is rarely exposed, typically only during the annual novena.
Shrines and pilgrimage
Principal shrine
The original image is enshrined in the Cathedral Basilica of Queen of Peace, San Miguel, elevated to minor basilica status and serving as the spiritual center for devotion to Our Lady of Peace in El Salvador.
Other notable shrines
- Cathedral of San Salvador – houses a replica for national ceremonies
- Shrines in Salvadoran diaspora communities (e.g., United States)
Pilgrimage tradition
The main pilgrimage occurs on November 21, attracting thousands to San Miguel for processions, Masses, and thanksgiving for graces received.
Patronage and proclamations
National patronage
Our Lady of Peace was declared principal patroness of the Republic of El Salvador by Pope Paul VI on October 10, 1966 (Sacred Congregation of Rites decree). Devotion has been reaffirmed by the Salvadoran bishops in times of national crisis.
Canonical coronation
The original image was canonically crowned by papal decree of Pope Benedict XV; the ceremony took place on November 21, 1921.
Miracles and reported graces
Foundational miracle
Hagiographic tradition holds that the 1682 arrival of the image ended local armed conflicts, as combatants ceased fighting upon its discovery (parish chronicles). The decisive 1787 volcanic miracle—lava diversion after procession of the statue—is documented in contemporary accounts and diocesan records.
Historically attested favours
- 1682 – cessation of hostilities upon the image's arrival (early parish records)
- 1787 – protection of San Miguel from Chaparrastique eruption (eyewitness reports)
- 1833 – reconciliation amid civil strife after vows before the image
Notable modern graces
- Healings and protections reported during the 1980–1992 civil war
- Annual favours attributed during the November novena and feast
Feast day
Principal feast
The feast of Our Lady of Peace is celebrated on November 21, commemorating the image's arrival and canonical coronation.
National celebrations
November 21 features processions, Masses, and cultural events in San Miguel and nationwide, with many Salvadorans renewing personal and communal vows for peace.
Devotion and cultural impact
Symbols in national life
The image's white robe bears the embroidered coat of arms of El Salvador, symbolizing her patronage. She is invoked in national prayers for reconciliation and peace.
Role in crises and reconciliation
During the civil war, devotion to Our Lady of Peace fostered hope and calls for dialogue; postwar consecrations emphasized her intercession for healing and unity.
Prayer
O Virgin of Peace,
Patroness of El Salvador,
you who calmed conflicts and turned aside the lava's fury,
intercede for your children.
Grant us harmony in our families,
justice in our society,
and lasting peace in our land.
Amen.
— Traditional Salvadoran prayer