Our Lady of Candelaria of Carelmapu

Marian devotion of Maullín (Los Lagos)

La devoción a Our Lady of Candelaria of Carelmapu is part of the religious memory of the coast of Maullin and is linked to the ancient Catholic presence in the coastal area of Carelmapu, in the Los Lagos Region, Chile. The local tradition presents the Virgin as patrona de Carelmapu and as a protector of the marine and fishing community, in a sanctuary of strong popular roots.

Main data

Origin and history

La devoción a Our Lady of Candelaria of Carelmapu is part of the religious memory of the coast of Maullin and is linked to the ancient Catholic presence in the coastal area of Carelmapu, in the Los Lagos Region, Chile. The local tradition presents the Virgin as patrona de Carelmapu and as a protector of the marine and fishing community, in a sanctuary of strong popular roots.

As for the origin, the documentation available from the sources consulted makes it possible to claim with certainty the existence of the temple and the present feast, but does not offer a secure chronology of the finding or first enronization of the image. So, the stories about a remote arrival of the image, its link to colonial episodes or its exact antiquity should be treated as local tradition, as document date fully verified.

The documented history of the current building is clearer: the Iglesia de Carelmapu was built between 1914 y 1922 and was later declared Historical Monument in 1993.

The image and the sanctuary

The sources consulted do not sufficiently describe the material type ni la detailed iconography of the venerated image, so those traits should be left in no consta. It is true that the advocation is celebrated in the Church Our Lady of the Candelaria of Carelmapu, a temple recognized as the main local cult center.

Not included in any revised sources minor basilica, National sanctuary o diocesan sanctuaryand therefore the safe designation is that of parish church / temple of local veneration associated with Carelmapu's employer.

Sponsorship and coronation

Our Lady of Candelaria is patrona de Carelmapu and the popular devotion of the sector; the celebration is also presented as one of the most significant in southern Chile.

Canon coronation: does not contain a documented canonical coronation in the verified sources.

Party and devotion

La main party se celebra el 2 February, Candelaria Day. The media and community sources describe a large traditional procession and a celebration marked by the participation of the local community and pilgrims, with a special presence of the coastal religiosity and the devotion of the fishermen.

The popular tradition presents it as one of the most important Marian parties in southern Chilewith strong territorial identity and devotional memory transmitted from generation to generation. The sources consulted do not contain official figures of inflow, so that data should be provided. no consta.

Link to the Rosary

In the verified sources there is no specific historical association between this advocation and a practice of the Rosary other than general Marian devotion. However, in the framework of Catholic piety, the Rosario naturally accompanies this advocation by contemplating with Mary the mysteries of Christ, and by placing the feast of the Candelaria within the Marian spirituality that supports the prayer of the Christian people.