Our Lady of Guadalupe de Potosí, patron of the city of Potosí

Marian vocation of Potosí (Potosí)

La advocación de Our Lady of Guadalupe of Potosí is linked to the early development of the Guadalupan cult in Alto Peru, in a context of strong influence of the Mexican image but with its own iconography in each city. The historian Teresa Gisbert, citing the account of Father Fra Diego de Ocaña, points out that this religious merchant, being in Potosí, October 1600was requested by the faithful to paint a great image of the Virgin of Guadalupe for the city. This painting was in a venerated beginning on the main altar of the convent of San Francisco de Potosí and, due to conflicts between the brotherhood and the Franciscans, was moved to the parroquia de San Juan Bautistawhere it is preserved and is venerated to this day.

Main data

Origin and history

La advocación de Our Lady of Guadalupe of Potosí is linked to the early development of the Guadalupan cult in Alto Peru, in a context of strong influence of the Mexican image but with its own iconography in each city. The historian Teresa Gisbert, citing the account of Father Fra Diego de Ocaña, points out that this religious merchant, being in Potosí, October 1600was requested by the faithful to paint a great image of the Virgin of Guadalupe for the city. This painting was in a venerated beginning on the main altar of the convent of San Francisco de Potosí and, due to conflicts between the brotherhood and the Franciscans, was moved to the parroquia de San Juan Bautistawhere it is preserved and is venerated to this day.

This is documented history: is based on the writings of the Ocagna itself and the research work of Gisbert, which clearly distinguishes between the image of Guadalupe de Sucre (Chuquisaca) and that of Potosí, both in his hand but with different local devotions. In the sources consulted there is no tradition of their own apparitions in Potosí; the title "Guadalupe" refers to the Guadalupana devotion of Mexican and Spanish origin, spread by the preaching and copy of images, rather than a documented local supernatural fact.

From the perspective of the tradition / legendthe Virgin of Guadalupe has been considered for generations as special protection of the Imperial Villa and the miners of Cerro Ricoin their maternal care a constant presence in the history of the city, often associated with favors and protection in times of crisis or danger in the mines. This character as "patron of the miners" is rather the result of piety and history, rather than of a known pontifical decree.

The image and the sanctuary

La image de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe de Potosí is a colonial painting attributed to the father fray Diego de Ocaña, who made an own representation for the city, different from that of Chuquisaca and the Mexican tylma, although clearly related iconographically with the Virgin of Guadalupe of Mexico. It is, according to the studies on Ocaña cited by Gisbert, a great altar canvas that reproduces the guadalupan type (Virgin standing, star mantle, classical Marian iconography), adapted to the taste and sensitivity of the Alto Peru; the specific iconographic details of the pososine piece (exact measurements, support materials, restorations) do not record in the sources consulted in detail.

The current place of worship is the parish of San Juan Bautista de Potosíwhere the original image is found. This parish temple is located on the corner of today's Hernandez and Chuquisaca streets in the city of Potosí. It does not know that the temple has the range of minor basilica not declared National sanctuary; in the local context it is recognized as a parish and sanctuary of the Virgin of Guadalupe de Potosí, with a strong devotional connotation for the population, especially the "high area" of the city.

Sponsorship and coronation

On the level of popular devotion, the Virgin of Guadalupe de Potosí is considered patron of the city of Potosí y protector of the miners of Cerro Rico, titles that express a long tradition of trust and entrust work and family life to their protection. The revised documentation does not contain a specific pontifical or episcopal decree defining a formal canonical patronage (for example, as the principal patron of the diocese) with an explicit date and formula; patronage is understood here in a pastoral and devotional sense above all.

As for the canonical coronation, in the sources consulted (press, historical articles, Marian repertory) does not contain a documented canonical coronation of the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe of Potosi, neither with precise date nor with reference to a pontifical delegate or bishop acting on behalf of the Pope. In the absence of verifiable data, it is not possible to claim the existence of an official canonical coronation.

Party and devotion

The universal holiday of Our Lady of Guadalupe se celebra el 12 Decemberin memory of the Tepeyac apparitions, and this date also marks the Guadalupan calendar in almost everyone. Pososine devotion is part of this general current of the Church, and the feast of December 12 is of particular importance. However, in Potosí the original image of Guadalupe, according to local press testimonies, exits in procession on September 8, walking the streets of the upper part of the city, in the framework of a celebration that is very rooted in the religious calendar.

The regional press describes a living devotion: se celebran misas semanales to the original image in the parish of Saint John the Baptist and, every year, the procession of 8 September brings together many faithful who accompany the Virgin through the streets. There are no official figures of influx, but it is presented as a significant manifestation of faith, which complements the great Marian devotions of the region (especially Guadalupe de Sucre). At the level of popular religiosity, the practice of entrusting the Virgin of Guadalupe of Potosí to life and work in the mines, as well as the care of the families of the miners, is widespread.

Link to the Rosary

The sources consulted do not contain a specific and documented link between the advocation of Our Lady of Guadalupe of Potosi and a fellowship, ninth or practice of Holy Rosary and differentiated from other Marian devotions. There are no explicit references to the hermandades of the Rosary directly associated with this image or to particular indulgences linked to the prayer of the Rosary in its sanctuary.

However, as it is a Marian advocation of strong popular arraigo, the Rosary is a natural part of the spirituality of its devotees, as in most Marian shrines in Hispanoamerica. The meditated prayer of the mysteries of Christ's life with Mary, which is the core of the Rosary, deeply harmonizes with the Guadalupan iconography: the Virgin who accompanies the people in her concrete history - in Potosi, especially in the harsh reality of mining work - leads, through perseverant prayer, to trust in Christ and to commitment to life, justice and solidarity. Although there is no "own" rosarian tradition of Guadalupe de Potosí documented, the Rosary is a privileged way to accompany this devotion and to live, day by day, the maternal presence of Mary in the city and in Cerro Rico.