Our Lady of Laventile

Marian Advocation of Laventiille (Port of Spain) (Archdiocese of Port of Spain)
Recognized by the Church

The shrine of Our Lady of Laventile rises on the hill of Laventile, which dominates the city of Port of Spain. In the mid-20th century, the building of the sanctuary was promoted in this popular district with a strong Catholic presence, with a great image of the modern-style Virgin and a cross. It does not contain a specific dogmatic title (Immaculate, Carmen): it is commonly invoked as "the Virgin who watches over the city."

Main data

Origin and history

The shrine of Our Lady of Laventile rises on the hill of Laventile, which dominates the city of Port of Spain. In the mid-20th century, the building of the sanctuary was promoted in this popular district with a strong Catholic presence, with a great image of the modern-style Virgin and a cross. It does not contain a specific dogmatic title (Immaculate, Carmen): it is commonly invoked as "the Virgin who watches over the city."

The image and the sanctuary

The great Marian image is visible from the city and has become a regular place for pilgrimages, Marian vigil and rosaries for the nation. The sanctuary retains exvotes and testimonies of favors received; the Church has not approved concrete miracles but encourages the place as a center of prayer for peace.

Sponsorship and coronation

Official Marian Sanctuary of the archdiocese of Port of Spain. Formal patronage and canonical coronation: no record.

Party and devotion

Frequent Marian rosaries and vigil are held, especially in May and at the great Marian parties (Immaculate, Asunción). Many faithful go up to the hill to ask for protection for their families and for Trinidad and Tobago, convinced that "from above the Virgin looks to the city."

Link to the Rosary

The hill of Laventile is a privileged place in the prayer of the Rosary for the nation, where the Virgin who watches over the city collects the pleas of a popular neighborhood. The Rosary comes up with the pilgrims as an offering of protection and peace for all the people.