Our Lady of Candelaria of Sabana de la Mar

Marian devotion of Sabana de la Mar (Hato Mayor)

It does not contain in documented sources accessible online a specific history of the advocation Our Lady of the Candelaria in Sabana de la Mar (Hato Mayor, Dominican Republic) or in a homonymous town in Colombia.

Main data

Origin and history

It does not contain in documented sources accessible online a specific history of the advocation Our Lady of the Candelaria in Sabana de la Mar (Hato Mayor, Dominican Republic) or in a homonymous town in Colombia.

What is well documented is the general origin of devotion to the Virgin of the Candelaria, nacida en Tenerife (Canary Islands)from where it spread widely throughout America, especially through canary settlers. This devotion is associated with the feast of the Presentation of the Lord and the Purification of the Virgin, celebrada el 2 February. In a number of American countries (including Colombia), numerous local sanctuaries and patronings were developed under this title.

By historical analogy (not by direct document) it is reasonable to think that any local devotion to the Candelaria in coastal areas of the Caribbean has been influenced by Canarian settlers and has been linked to protection at sea; however, for Sabana de la Mar / Hato Mayor, that particular link, no consta in verified sources.

The image and the sanctuary

In the sources consulted no consta description of a specific image of Our Lady of Candelaria of Sabana de la Mar, no type (sculpture, painting, dress size), no material, no iconographic features.

Nor does it contain, with verifiable data, the existence of a Marian shrine of (diocesan, national or minor basilica sanctuary) with the full title "Our Lady of the Candelaria of Sabana de la Mar" in Colombia or Sabana de la Mar (Hato Mayor, R.D.).

The Parish Our Lady of the Candelaria of Sabana Grande de Boyá in the Dominican Republic, which appears on current parish networks with pastoral warnings, but without historical information or recognition as an official Marian sanctuary. Since it is another locality, it cannot simply identify itself with the requested advocation.

Sponsorship and coronation

It does not contain in documented sources that the advocation Our Lady of Candelaria of Sabana de la Mar has been officially proclaimed:

– patron saint of the city – patron saint of the coastal region of Hato Mayor – or patron saint of a specific diocese

It also does not contain a documented canonical coronation (by decree of the Holy See or by pontifical delegation).

Accordingly, following the instructions of the order: Canon coronation: there is no documented canonical coronation.

It should be remembered that in other places in Colombia and the Caribbean the Virgin of Candelaria is indeed an official patron saint and is closely linked to the world of the sea (for example, Cartagena de Indias celebrates the Virgin of Candelaria with massive pilgrimages on February 2), but that reality belongs to other local devotions, not to that of Sabana de la Mar.

Party and devotion

For the universal vocation of the Virgin of the Candelaria, la fiesta litúrgica se celebra el 2 February, day of the Lord's Presentation in the Temple. It is reasonable to assume that any parish community or sanctuary bearing its name will celebrate its main holiday on that date, but in the specific case of Sabana de la Mar / Hato Mayor no constan specific data from:

– detailed local calendar of festivals – local processions at sea or on the coast – number of pilgrims or visitor numbers – particular popular traditions (vows, vigils, pilgrimages)

In the Colombian and Caribbean context, a strong popular devotion to the Candelaria is documented in cities such as Krishna de Indiasand the protection of sailors. However, such information cannot be moved without proof to Sabana de la Mar.

Link to the Rosary

There is no documented tradition in specific sources about Sabana de la Mar that explicitly links to Our Lady of Candelaria of Sabana de la Mar with particular practices of prayer of the Rosary (for example, rosaries of torches, specific rosaries).

From a general Marian point of view, the invocation of the Candelaria se integra plenamente en la espiritualidad del Rosario: – El misterio litúrgico que celebra (Presentación del Señor en el Templo) pertenece al ciclo de la infancia de Jesús y se contempla tradicionalmente dentro de los misterios gozosos. – La imagen de María que lleva a Cristo “luz para alumbrar a las naciones” armoniza con el carácter del Rosario como oración de contemplación de los misterios de Cristo con los ojos de la Madre.

This is why, although there are no specific local practices, the Rosary It can be considered a privileged way to accompany the devotion to the Virgin of the Candelaria, joining the Church who, with Mary, meditates on the mysteries of salvation and welcomes her intercession in the midst of the difficulties of life, including those of the world of the sea.