Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Marian title of coastal city of the coast (does not contain the exact municipality) (Diocese of Bata (Continental Region))
Recognized by the Church

The devotion to Our Lady of Carmen, patron of the sailors, is present on the coast of Equatorial Guinea. Recent chronicles about the life of the Church in the country describe its celebration with a maritime procession in a coastal city, most likely from the diocese of Bata, although it does not contain the exact municipality at the source.

Main data

Origin and history

The devotion to Our Lady of Carmen, patron of the sailors, is present on the coast of Equatorial Guinea. Recent chronicles about the life of the Church in the country describe its celebration with a maritime procession in a coastal city, most likely from the diocese of Bata, although it does not contain the exact municipality at the source.

The image and the sanctuary

It is said that during the holiday a boat carries the image of the Virgin by the sea, accompanied by the faithful between songs and prayers. It does not contain the specific name of the parish or a sanctuary of its own.

Sponsorship and coronation

It is the universal Marian advocation of Carmel, fully recognized by the Church. There is no local canonical coronation. The procession has a parish and diocesan character.

Party and devotion

It is held on July 16. The image is taken by the sea in a boat, a sign of the confidence of fishermen and coastal communities in the protection of the Virgin over those who live from the sea.

Link to the Rosary

The Virgin of Carmen, associated with the scapular, is always united to the Rosary in popular piety: the faithful who accompany her by the sea pray to Mary for protection, with the Rosary as a prayer of journey and safe return to port.