Marian devotion
Our Lady of Kuressaare
Kuressaare, Estonia
On the island of Saaremaa, the Virgin Mary is venerated as the protector of Baltic sailors and fishermen.
The Kuressaare Cathedral
Kuressaare Cathedral is one of the oldest religious buildings in Estonia. Built in the 13th century, the cathedral has witnessed the history of Saaremaa Island and the Marian devotion of its people.
Our Lady of the Baltic
The cathedral houses an image of the Virgin Mary known as "Our Lady of the Baltic." Tradition holds that this image was brought by the Crusaders who arrived on the island in the 13th century.
"Our Lady of the Baltic protects the sailors of Saaremaa on their voyages across the sea."
Popular devotions
The faithful of Kuressaare come to the cathedral to light candles for the Virgin Mary and ask for her protection. The most popular tradition is that of the "wishes of the Virgin": the faithful write their petitions on slips of paper and place them in a special box next to the image of the Virgin.
Prayer
O Virgin of the Baltic, protector of the sailors of Saaremaa. You who watch over those who sail the northern waters, intercede for us before your Son Jesus. Protect the people of Estonia and guide us to peace. Amen.
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