Monastery of the Virgin Mary of Dronka: the great Marian sanctuary of Upper Egypt

Dronka, Asiut, Egypt

The Dronka Monastery, located on the Dronka mountain on the outskirts of Asiut, is one of the most important Marian shrines in Egypt. The Coptic tradition links him to the flight to Egypt and every August 15 welcomes one of the greatest pilgrimages in the Coptic world.

History and tradition

The monastery rises on the mountain of Dronka, where the Coptic tradition places the grotto in which the Sagrada Familia took refuge during her stay in Upper Egypt. The place has been the center of pilgrimage since the first centuries of Christianity. The monastery was formally founded in the 4th century and has been restored and extended on several occasions over the centuries.

La gruta de la Virgen

The heart of the sanctuary is a gruta natural on the rock where, according to tradition, Mary and the Child Jesus found refuge. The cave has been conditioned as a chapel and retains Coptic Marian icons from different times. The faithful come to pray in this small and dark space, which represents for the Copts a direct contact with the physical presence of the Holy Family.

The party of August 15

Each August 15the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the monastery of Dronka becomes the center of the Marian devotion of Upper Egypt:

• Tens of thousands of Coptic Orthodox and Catholic pilgrims go up to the mountain.
• Liturgies are held all night.
• The faithful camp on the slopes for several days.
• It is one of the few events where Orthodox and Catholic Copts celebrate together.

The monastery today

The present monastic complex includes a main church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Grotto-sanctuary, cells for monks, accommodation for pilgrims and a garden. The monastic community maintains the Coptic liturgy and tradition of hospitality with visitors.

Devoción popular

The pilgrims of Dronka come with various intentions:

• Ask for Mary's intercession in the face of diseases.
• Thanks for receiving favors.
• Bless the newborn in the grotto.
• Seek comfort in times of difficulty.

It is customary for the faithful to carry candles and oil to light before the icon of the Virgin in the grotto.

Prayer in the Dronka Grotto

Oh, Our Lady, who you welcomed in your lap the Child God in the Grotto of Dronka, listen to the prayer of your children to go up to this holy mountain. As you found shelter on the rock, let us find shelter on your maternal protection. May this grotto, sanctified by your presence, always be a place of peace, comfort and hope for the people of Egypt. Amen.