Our Lady of the Assumption of Cumilco, local patron of Cumilco

Marian Advocation of Comalcalco (Tabasco)

La devoción a Our Lady of the Assumption of Cumilco goes back, according to the popular traditionper year 1638. According to this tradition, the image would have been found by fishermen in the Tupilco bar, on the coast of today's state of Tabasco (Mexico), traveling mysteriously on a small wooden boat. It is also said that the image was accompanied by a crown, a bell, a half moon and dressesas well as a text indicating that it was an image of French origin. This tradition, transmitted from generation to generation, is part of the religious imaginary of the people of Cumilco and the region.

Main data

Origin and history

La devoción a Our Lady of the Assumption of Cumilco goes back, according to the popular traditionper year 1638. According to this tradition, the image would have been found by fishermen in the Tupilco bar, on the coast of today's state of Tabasco (Mexico), traveling mysteriously on a small wooden boat. It is also said that the image was accompanied by a crown, a bell, a half moon and dressesas well as a text indicating that it was an image of French origin. This tradition, transmitted from generation to generation, is part of the religious imaginary of the people of Cumilco and the region.

From the perspective of the documented historythe sources agree to point out to Culilco as a population of ancient indigenous root, in the municipality of Comalcalc, in the state of Tabasco, Mexico, where the cult of the Virgin of the Assumption was consolidated as the center of regional pilgrimages. Several local studies and chronicles point out that over time the shrine of Culilco became recognized as the principal Marian sanctuary of Tabasco and a place of reference for popular piety. The present facade of the temple retains reliefs that refer both to local history and to subsequent events, such as the coronation of the image.

The religious memory of the people speaks of numerous favors and miracles attributed to the intercession of the Virgin of Cumilco, which has been shaping the profile of the place as "land of miracles" and strengthening its character as a centre of Marian devotion for the whole state. These elements belong to the devotional and testimonial field, rather than to strict historical documentation.

> Note: The title belongs to Cumilco, Comalcalco, state of Tabasco (Mexico); there is no relation to "Comalcalco, department of Tabasco, Colombia." The reference to Colombia does not correspond to the historical or current location of this sanctuary.

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The image and the sanctuary

La image of Our Lady of the Assumption of Cumilco is a representation of the Virgin Mary in the mystery of her Assumption, venerated in ancient size, of traditional style, dressed in rich ornaments that vary according to the feasts and the liturgical calendar. The tradition of finding mentions that the image brought with it a crown y una half moon, frequent iconographic elements in the representation of the glorified Virgin, also associated with the apocalyptic passage of "the woman in the sun." In popular piety it is simply known as the Virgin of Culilco or "Our Mother." There is no comprehensive technical description in accessible sources (height, author, exact size date); these data, if any, are not publicly documented.

The place of veneration is the Church and Sanctuary of La Asunción, commonly known as Sanctuary of the Assumption of Mary in Cumilco. It is a temple of unique style, described as a indigenous baroquewith a very characteristic facade, a reconstructed cover and reliefs that represent religious scenes, including the apparition of the Virgin of Guadalupe and the coronation of the Virgin of Cumilco in 1990. The sanctuary is located in the village of Cumilco, municipality of Comalcalco, state of Tabasco (Mexico). Local media indicate that it is the only sanctuary designated by the Vatican in Tabasco, which underlines its importance within the Church in the region, although no explicit reference has been found to a lesser basilica title. Therefore, it does not know that the temple has a range of minor basilica ni de National sanctuary; if it reconos mainly como diocesan Marian shrine y parroquia local.

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Sponsorship and coronation

The Virgin of the Assumption of Cumilco is recognized as State of Tabasco (Mexico). On the façade of the temple is represented the scene of its coronation "as Patrona de Tabasco. "Several chronicles and journalistic notes indicate that this patronage has been consolidated over time, extending devotion beyond the local scope of the people of Cumilco to cover the entire federal entity.

As for the canonical coronation, sources point out in a co-incident way that the image was crowned in the year 1990. The very façade of the temple refers to this coronation of 1990 as the culminating moment of the devotional history of the sanctuary. An audiovisual chronicle recalls the "coronation by Pope John Paul II," although, with rigour, what often happens in these cases is that the Pope grants the coronation decree and a delegate is appointed to perform it on the site. The official text of the decree and the name of the pontifical delegate are not available in the sources consulted, although the reference to the coronation linked to the pontificate of John Paul II.

Por tanto, se puede afirmar: – Year of canonical coronation documented: 1990. – The Pontiff in whose pontificate was granted the coronation: San Juan Pablo II. The details of the celebrant delegate and the formulas of the decree are not reflected in the public sources consulted.

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Party and devotion

The fiesta principal de Our Lady of the Assumption of Cumilco is held around the August 15, liturgical solemnity of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The community celebrates its patron party in May and August: in May, the 18 May, while in August are the days 15 y 25 The most prominent. In addition, a popular party in honor of the Blessed Virgin of the Assumption, celebrated 25-30 Augustwith various religious and cultural expressions. These celebrations include solemn masses, processions, nocturaries, dances, fairs and festive events around the sanctuary.

The sanctuary of Cupilco is described as the principal Marian sanctuary of Tabasco and as a "land of miracles," with an intense influx of faithful throughout the year, especially during the main feasts. Local media emphasize that it is a place of constant pilgrimageswhere not only do the inhabitants of Cumilco and Comalco come, but also the faithful of the whole state and other nearby regions. Devotion is expressed in offerings, vows and testimonies of favors receivedas well as in the mass participation in processions and in the sacramental life around the parish "The Assumption of Mary."

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Link to the Rosary

The sources consulted do not contain a specific and documented relationship between the advocation of Our Lady of the Assumption of Cumilco and a unique practice of Rosary (for example, a historical fellowship of the Rosary of the sanctuary or concrete promises linked to this prayer).

However, since it is a Marian invocation deeply rooted in popular piety, the prayer of Holy Rosary is a regular part of the devotional life of the faithful: it is integrated into the Noviaries, pilgrimages and vigil about the Virgin, especially on the dates of her holidays. The glorious mysteries, and in particular the fourth glorious mystery (Mary's Assumption to heaven), offer a privileged spiritual framework to contemplate the mystery that this image represents and to unite the daily life of the devotees to the hope of the resurrection and of the g