Our Lady of the Assumption

Advocación mariana de Puerto Príncipe (Ouest)
✔ Recognized by the Church

The Port-au-Prince Cathedral, dedicated to Notre-Dame de l'Assomption (Our Lady of the Assumption), was the country's main Catholic church until its destruction in the 2010 earthquake. The title of the Assumption refers to the Church's belief in Mary's assumption into heaven, body and soul; the Haitian people have venerated her as Mother and Queen of the capital.

Main data

Origin and history

The Port-au-Prince Cathedral, dedicated to Notre-Dame de l'Assomption (Our Lady of the Assumption), was the country's main Catholic church until its destruction in the 2010 earthquake. The title of the Assumption refers to the Church's belief in Mary's assumption into heaven, body and soul; the Haitian people have venerated her as Mother and Queen of the capital.

The image and the sanctuary

The 2010 earthquake destroyed the cathedral, leaving a deep scar on the country's religious memory. Since then, its reconstruction has been debated amidst financial difficulties and political instability. Even in ruins, the cathedral remains a symbol of faith and hope: the image of the faithful praying among the rubble became iconic.

Patronage and coronation

Cathedral seat dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, fully recognized by the Church. Canonical coronation: not recorded.

Celebration and devotion

The Feast of the Assumption is celebrated on August 15, traditionally one of the capital's major Marian festivals, with processions and solemn masses. Following the earthquake, masses have been held there for the victims, and many Haitians claim that Mary protected them amidst the chaos, in accounts of faith not examined as miracles.

Link with the Rosary

The Assumption crowns the glorious mysteries of the Rosary, in which the Church contemplates Mary received into heaven. To pray the Rosary under this title is to unite with the hope of the Haitian people, who trust in following their glorified Mother even in the midst of trial.