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Our Lady of Altagracia, also known as "Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia," holds a special place in the hearts of the Dominican people. Revered as the protective and spiritual mother of the Dominican Republic, her image and story have been a source of inspiration and devotion for centuries.
Historical Background
The devotion to Our Lady of Altagracia dates back to the early 16th century. According to tradition, two Spanish brothers, Alfonso and Antonio Trejo, brought a painting of the Virgin Mary to the island of Hispaniola around 1502. This painting, which depicts the Virgin Mary with the baby Jesus in a manger, became a symbol of faith and hope for the Dominican people.
The Image and Its Significance
The image of Our Lady of Altagracia is a painting on cloth, measuring approximately thirteen by eighteen inches. It is believed to have been created by an unknown Spanish artist around the turn of the 14th century. The painting is set in an ornate frame made of gold, enamel, and precious stones, crafted by an unknown 18th-century artisan. The image shows Mary with a crown of stars and a mantle adorned with stars, symbolizing her role as the Queen of Heaven and her connection to the Star of Bethlehem.
Feast Day and Celebrations
The feast day of Our Lady of Altagracia is celebrated on January 21, a national holiday in the Dominican Republic. On this day, thousands of faithful devotees from across the country make pilgrimages to the Basilica-Cathedral of Our Lady of Altagracia in the province of La Altagracia. The celebrations include special masses, processions, and offerings of oranges, inspired by the story of the painting's mysterious movements to an orange tree grove.
Miracles and Devotion
Over the centuries, Our Lady of Altagracia has been credited with numerous miracles and acts of intercession. One notable event occurred in 1691 when a Spanish-Dominican force defeated a French force, an outcome attributed to the Virgin's intercession. The devotion to Our Lady of Altagracia has been affirmed and celebrated by various popes, including Pope Pius XI and Pope John Paul II, who blessed the Basilica-Cathedral during his visit in 1979.
Modern-Day Significance
Today, the devotion to Our Lady of Altagracia extends beyond the Dominican Republic. In areas with significant Dominican populations, such as New York City, her feast day marks the beginning of Dominican Heritage Month. The image of Our Lady of Altagracia continues to be a symbol of faith, hope, and unity for Dominicans worldwide.
Conclusion
Our Lady of Altagracia remains a powerful and enduring symbol of the Dominican Republic's spiritual heritage. Her image and story continue to inspire devotion and reverence, reminding the faithful of the enduring power of faith and the protective presence of the Virgin Mary.
: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_Altagracia)
: [National Today](https://nationaltoday.com/our-lady-of-altagracia/)
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