Our Lady of the Rock

Marian dedication of Vila Velha (Espírito Santo)

The tradition of Convent of Penha places its origin in the work of the Franciscan Fray Pedro Palácioswho would have arrived in Vila Velha in the mid-16th century and promoted there the first hermitage dedicated to Our Lady of the Peña; some versions also narrate the pious episode in which a Marian image would have been found repeatedly at the summit of the promontory, as a sign that there should be the sanctuary.

Main data

Origin and history

The tradition of Convent of Penha places its origin in the work of the Franciscan Fray Pedro Palácioswho would have arrived in Vila Velha in the mid-16th century and promoted there the first hermitage dedicated to Our Lady of the Peña; some versions also narrate the pious episode in which a Marian image would have been found repeatedly at the summit of the promontory, as a sign that there should be the sanctuary.

La documented history presents it as one of the oldest Marian shrines in Brazil, with the beginning of works around 1558 and gradual expansion to become the current conventual set. A source of information specifies that 1568 the chapel began to be erected and that 1569 The image of Our Lady of the Peña came from Portugal. The sanctuary is located in Vila Velha, in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil; there is no location in Colombia for this advocation.

The image and the sanctuary

The venerated image is that of Our Lady of the Rock; in the sources consulted it is mentioned that it came from Portugal, although their material, exact typology and detailed iconographic description are not safely recorded in these references. The main altarpiece of the temple, according to a journalistic description, is flanked by the images of San Francisco de Assisi y San Antonio de Lisbon and Padua, in a sober interior of remarkable artistic value.

The place of worship is the Convent of Penha o Sanctuary of Our Lady of Penha, in a rocky promontory to 154 metres on sea level and very close to the sea, in Vila Velha. The sources consulted consider it one of the oldest religious sanctuaries in Brazil and a monument of great historical and architectural importance; it is also mentioned that it was declared historical-cultural heritage by the IPHAN in 1943. It does not contain in these sources a minor basilica; it does contain its status as a sanctuary / convent.

Sponsorship and coronation

Our Lady of the Peña is venerated as patron of the state of Espírito Santo and of its own Convent of Penha; the sources consulted do not contain a more precise municipal or diocesan patronage. It also does not contain a documented canonical coronation in the sources provided, so that data should not be stated without further verification.

Party and devotion

The great popular party is the Romaria da Penha, celebrada el Second Sunday of Pascua. The sources describe an intense influx of faithful, with masses and outdoor celebrations, and point out that the sanctuary receives pilgrims and visitors throughout the week, with access facilitated by internal transport to the upper area.

Devotion has a strong character peregrino y mariano: the rise to the convent, by its elevated location, is part of the spiritual experience of the place. The journalistic sources also highlight its relevance as one of the main religious and cultural centers of the Holy Spirit.

Link to the Rosary

A specific and unique historical relationship of this advocation with the prayer of the Rosary. However, as a Marian sanctuary of ancient Franciscan raigambre, devotion to Our Lady of the Peña is naturally understood within the spirituality of the Rosary, which contemplates the mysteries of Christ with Mary and accompanies very well the pilgrimage, the supplication and the thanksgiving of this sanctuary.