Our Lady of Peace

Marian Advocation of San Miguel (San Miguel)

La advocación de Our Lady of Peace (Queen of Peace) venerada en la Catedral Basílica de San Miguel It belongs historically to the city of San Miguel, in the present Republic of El Salvador, where it is the principal patron of the diocese and the country. There is no equivalent advocation in reliable ecclesial or historical sources, with this same national patronage and basilica cathedral, located in San Miguel, department of San Miguel, Colombia; the correct location, according to the available documentation, is San Miguel, department of San Miguel, El Salvador.

Main data

Origin and history

La advocación de Our Lady of Peace (Queen of Peace) venerada en la Catedral Basílica de San Miguel It belongs historically to the city of San Miguel, in the present Republic of El Salvador, where it is the principal patron of the diocese and the country. There is no equivalent advocation in reliable ecclesial or historical sources, with this same national patronage and basilica cathedral, located in San Miguel, department of San Miguel, Colombia; the correct location, according to the available documentation, is San Miguel, department of San Miguel, El Salvador.

According to the tradition collected in various sources of spirituality and dissemination, the image would have arrived in San Miguel in the context of the eruption of the volcano Chaparrastic in 1787. It is reported that the inhabitants, afraid of the danger, placed the image of the Virgin at the main door of the temple, and at that time the volcano would have ceased its violent activity, being interpreted as a special protection of Mary over the city. This tradition directly links the Virgin to peace and protection from natural disasters, and explains the title "Our Lady of Peace."

As for the documented historythe sources point out that the image was already the object of veneration in San Miguel in the 18th century, and that January 1833, during the struggles between monuments and mygueleansthe intercession of the Virgin was considered decisive for the pacification of the region. The historical account of Colonel Benitez, who, after the victory, had the image taken out of the temple court, formed his troops around it, bowed down to the Virgin and put her sword at her feet as a sign of peace, a gesture that symbolically marked the end of the riots. This episode is best documented in the local historical memory and written sources, and consolidates the title of Queen of Peace as an expression of the desire for reconciliation and harmony for the city and for the country.

The image and the sanctuary

The image of Our Lady of Peace is a size of Virgin with the Childin which Mary holds the left arm Child Jesuswhile in the right hand carries a palm branch u olive, explicit symbol of peace. This iconography also highlights Mary's motherhood and her mission as a peace mediator, presenting the Son and offering the sign of reconciliation. The image is a classic Marian type of whole body, dressed in rich blankets, and chairs the main altar of the cathedral.

The place of his veneration is the Basilica Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace, in the city of San Miguel, recognized as a minor basilica. It is the main temple of the diocese, with a wide and luminous structure, with vitrals dedicated to various biblical and holy passages. On the main facade stands a figure in bronze of Divine Savior of the World, and inside, the image of the Queen of Peace dominates the main altar, as the center of national devotion. The present temple was concluded in 1953 and is closely linked to the religious and civic history of the Salvadoran people.

Sponsorship and coronation

The Virgin of Peace is patron of the Diocese of San Miguel and, since 1966, Principal Patron of the Republic of El Salvadorwith all the corresponding liturgical honors and privileges. The 10 October 1966The pope. Pablo VIthrough the Holy Congregation of Rites, he perpetually declared Our Lady of Peace of St. Michael as Principal Patron of the Republic of El Salvador. The official recognition of patronage by the diocese of San Miguel and the Church in El Salvador is dated in 1921.

La canonical coronation of the image is solidly documented: it was granted by the Pope Benedict XV and the 21 November 1921. This coronation marked a culminating moment in the devotional history of the Virgin of Peace, strengthening its role as a sign of unity and protection over the city of San Miguel and above all the country. No later coronation other than that of 1921.

Party and devotion

La fiesta litúrgica principal of Our Lady of Peace is celebrated the November 21, in memory of the arrival of the image to San Miguel and its canonical coronation. Around this date there are novena, processions and solemn celebrations, with special participation of the clergy and the faithful of the diocese. The celebration of a solemn mass with the assistance of the bishops of the country and the Apostolic Nuncio is mentioned as an expression of the national dimension of this devotion.

La devoción a la Queen of Peace is characterized by a strong dimension peace intercessorboth in the face of natural disasters (such as the eruption of the Chaparrastique, according to tradition) and in the face of social and political conflicts. The memory of the 1833 episode, when it was interpreted its intervention in the pacification between the monuments and the Migueleans, has established the custom of going to the Virgin in times of tension or violence, placing "the sword" - that is, the enmity and resentment - at her feet. The Basilica Cathedral is a constant place of pilgrimages, especially in the novena and the November feast, although the exact numbers of inflow are not documented in the sources consulted.

Link to the Rosary

The available sources do not explicitly document a specific historical link between the advocation of Our Lady of Peace of St. Michael and some unique practice of prayer of the Rosary (for example, a fellowship of the Rosary originating from this image or a particular promise linked to this prayer). Therefore, no consta a differentiated relationship of the Rosary with other Marian claims.

However, from the Marian spirituality and the Magisterium of the Church, the Rosary se presenta como “escuela de paz”, al contemplar los misterios de la vida de Cristo junto a María. En el caso de Nuestra Señora de la Paz, el rezo del Rosario adquiere una resonancia particular: – se meditan los misterios gozosos y gloriosos como fuente de esperanza en medio de los conflictos; – en los misterios dolorosos se presenta ante María el sufrimiento de las guerras, la violencia y las heridas del país; – en los misterios luminosos se pide la conversión de los corazones y la justicia que sostiene la auténtica paz.

Thus, even if there are no specific historical data, the devotion of the Rosary is naturally integrated into the cult of Queen of Peaceas a persevering prayer for reconciliation, the protection of the city of San Miguel and peace for the whole nation.