Marian devotion
Our Lady of Atocha
The oldest patron of the villa of Madrid
Our Lady of Atocha is the oldest Marian devotion of Madrid and, for centuries, patron of the villa and the Spanish monarchy. His small image, guarded by the Dominicans, has accompanied the history of the city since its origins.
A very ancient devotion
The tradition places the first cults of the Virgin of Atocha in a small hermitage on the outskirts of Madrid, where, according to the pious memory, Christians found comfort in difficult times. The image that is being venerated today is a Gothic size of the XII-XIV centuries, about 60 centimeters: the Virgin holds an apple and the Child Jesus, sitting in her lap, blesses with a book in her hand.
The Dominicans and the Hermitage
On July 10, 1523, the abbey of Santa Leocadia de Toledo gave the hermitage of Our Lady of Atocha to the friars of the Order of Santo Domingo, who have since guarded the image. Next to the hermitage grew the famous convent of Santo Domingo de Atocha. In 2023 the Dominicans celebrated the five centuries of this uninterrupted custody.
Patron of Madrid and of the kings
From the 16th century the Virgin of Atocha was considered a protector of the kings of Spain and patron of the monarchy. Philip II had great devotion to her: she called her patron of Madrid and all kingdoms, and visited her sanctuary before leaving the campaigns and returning from them as a sign of gratitude. For centuries, the monarchs went to Atocha in the great moments of the Crown.
The basilica
On November 12, 1863, Pope Pius IX granted the temple of Atocha the title of basilica, the first of Madrid to receive it and one of the first of Spain. The present temple, the work of architect Diego Méndez, was inaugurated on Christmas 1951. Next to the Basilica is the Pantheon of Illustrious Men.
Spiritual message
The Virgin of Atocha reminds Madrid of her Christian roots and the fidelity of generations who have trusted the Mother of God. In their small image, which has survived wars and plunder, the Madrileños have always seen a sign of maternal amparo and continuity of faith.
Prayer to Our Lady of Atocha
A flower for the Virgin
Pray a Hail Mary for Madrid and for all who live in the great cities.
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