Our Lady of Light

Advocación mariana de Mindelo (isla de São Vicente) (Diócesis de Mindelo)
✔ Recognized by the Church

The Diocese of Mindelo, encompassing the Windward Islands of Cape Verde, was established in 2003 and its seat is located in the Church of Nossa Senhora da Luz in the city of Mindelo, which thus became a pro-cathedral. The specific origin of the image and the devotion is not recorded in the available sources; the most reasonable explanation, although not expressly documented for Mindelo, is that it is a devotion brought from Portugal, where the devotion to Nossa Senhora da Luz is widespread.

Main data

Origin and history

The Diocese of Mindelo, encompassing the Windward Islands of Cape Verde, was established in 2003 and its seat is located in the Church of Nossa Senhora da Luz in the city of Mindelo, which thus became a pro-cathedral. The specific origin of the image and the devotion is not recorded in the available sources; the most reasonable explanation, although not expressly documented for Mindelo, is that it is a devotion brought from Portugal, where the devotion to Nossa Senhora da Luz is widespread.

The image and the sanctuary

The church is the diocesan pro-cathedral of Mindelo, on the island of São Vicente, and is the main Marian center of the Windward Islands. Specific details about the venerated image are not found in the sources consulted.

Patronage and coronation

She is the patron saint of the pro-cathedral of the Diocese of Mindelo. There is no record of a canonical coronation.

Celebration and devotion

The date of its feast day is not known with certainty, nor are there any verifiable accounts of miracles or votive offerings associated with this image. It is part of the vibrant Marian devotion of the Cape Verdean people.

Link with the Rosary

As a Mother who is a light for the path, Our Lady of Light invites us to journey with her through the mysteries of the Rosary, in which Mary illuminates for the believer the face of Christ, light of the world.