Our Lady of Hope

"La Pejica" · Palmestre shrine of Calasparra (Murcia)

Patrona de Calasparra, Our Lady of Hope is to be seen in an impressive sanctuary excavated on the rock, on the hues of the Segura River; her small image, "La Pejica," welcomes the pilgrims with open arms.

Origin and history

The first written data of the sanctuary are from the 17th century: it was founded, on the caves of the Fuensanta, by Frey Alonso Benítez de Munera, prior to Calasparra, according to the Book of Visits of the Order of St. John of 1609. In 1617, Juana Sánchez donated an image for the major altar under the title of Our Lady of O or Hope - the "Great" image - provided that she did not move from there.

The most widespread legend shows that a shepherd found in the cave a small image, "La Pejica" or "La Aparecida"; in trying to move her to the village it became so heavy that it was understood that she wanted to stay. Devotion is deeply rooted in the region, with prayers for rain and abundant exvotes. She was proclaimed patron of Calasparra in 1840.

Canonical coronation: year is not recorded in the sources.