Our Lady of Poverty of Pereira

Marian Invocation of Pereira (Risaralda)

According to the tradition local, the advocation of Our Lady of Poverty of Pereira It would be related to a Marian image found near a waterfall in the region of the present Eje Cafetero, a sign of the closeness of the Virgin to the simplicity and life of the most humble people. This tradition, deeply rooted in popular religiosity, underlines Mary's predilection for the poor and in need; however, the stories about the finding in the waterfall are transmitted orally and no constan with precise details or critical historical documentation.

Main data

Origin and history

According to the tradition local, the advocation of Our Lady of Poverty of Pereira It would be related to a Marian image found near a waterfall in the region of the present Eje Cafetero, a sign of the closeness of the Virgin to the simplicity and life of the most humble people. This tradition, deeply rooted in popular religiosity, underlines Mary's predilection for the poor and in need; however, the stories about the finding in the waterfall are transmitted orally and no constan with precise details or critical historical documentation.

In the plan of the documented historythe city of Pereira has been consolidating its Marian devotion under the title of Our Lady of Poverty at the end of the 19th century, when the main Marian temple was erected in the center of the city. The construction of the church of Our Lady of Poverty on the site that today occupies the cathedral began in the late 19th century (the constructive process is documented from the 1890s). The temple was growing with the urban development of Pereira until, by the bull of the Pope Pius XII, was elevated to catedral el 18 December 1952, when the diocese of Pereira was erected.

The devotion to the Virgin of Poverty was recognized as patronage of the city, and the cathedral was officially consecrated to this Marian title, becoming the visible center of the liturgical life and of the Catholic identity of Pereira. The title is now one of the most characteristic of the Colombian West and is also historically linked to other cities in the region, although the cathedral and the main cult are located in Pereira.

The image and the sanctuary

The original imagen Our Lady of Poverty of Pereira se venera en la Cathedral of Our Lady of Povertyin the city center. The sources consulted of an official and informative nature do not describe in a detailed and consistent manner the material (wood, plaster or other) or the exact dimensions of the image; therefore, is not certain his technique or authorship. It is usually represented as a Marian image of classic sizestanding, with simple attire and attitude of closeness, in accordance with its title "Poverty"; however, the specific iconographic details (original color of the blankets, specific symbols, exact time of size) no constan documented in the sources mentioned.

The main sanctuary of this advocation is the Cathedral of Our Lady of Poverty, Catholic church, located in the centre of Pereira, capital of the department of Risaralda. It's the main temple of the diocese of Pereira and the seat of the chair of the diocesan bishop. The first great church was built between the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century; it suffered serious damage to the earthquake of 31 January 1906, which led to successive renovations and reconstructions, giving rise to the structure that is now contemplated, recognized for its peculiar interior architecture of wood and its historical and cultural value for the city. It was elevated to catedral in 1952. It does not include, in the revised sources, the title of minor basilica not declared National sanctuaryIt is above all the diocesan cathedral dedicated to this Marian advocation.

Sponsorship and coronation

Our Lady of Poverty is venerated as patron of the city of Pereira. The same advocation is also held by patron of other Colombian localities such as Cartago y Consignorbut the most prominent center of his veneration and the main cathedral temple are in Pereira, where the city and the diocese recognize him as special protector.

The image of Our Lady of Poverty of Pereira was canonically crowned on the occasion of the Apostolic Visit of San Juan Pablo II a Colombia en 1986. According to the available documentation, the canonical coronation was performed by the same Pope Juan Pablo II during his pastoral journey to the country in that year, officially recognizing the antiquity and importance of Marian devotion to poverty. Therefore, yes contains a documented canonical coronation, directly linked to the pontificate of John Paul II. No reliable documentary support has been found to place the coronation in 1981; the revised sources indicate 1986 like the year of the pontifical act.

Party and devotion

La main party of Our Lady of Poverty of Pereira is celebrated the September 8in line with the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. Around this date an intense liturgical and pastoral life is organized: novies, solemn eucharisties, processions and acts of popular piety that bring together many faithful of the city and of other municipalities of the Cafetero Axis. The sources consulted do not provide precise annual inflow figures, but point out that this is one of Pereira's most significant religious celebrations.

In particular, they have been granted indulgences in this respect: it is indicated that plenary indulgence has been granted since noon of the 7 September until the end of September 8Those who visit the temple are confessed and communicated, and pray for the intentions of the Roman Pontiff, the Church, world peace and the conversion of sinners. In addition, mention is made of the possibility of plenary indulgence for the souls of the purgatory for which the Holy Mass is held on the altar of the Virgin of Poverty. These spiritual graces show the depth of devotion, linked not only to popular piety, but also to sacramental practice and doctrine on the communion of the saints.

In daily practice, the cathedral remains a local and regional pilgrimage centreespecially around the September feast and in the strong times of the liturgical year (Advent, Christmas, Holy Week), when the presence of the Virgin is perceived as the mother company of the believing people.

Link to the Rosary

The specific sources about Our Lady of Poverty of Pereira no constan explicitly regarding an institutionalized association with the Rosary, coronillas or particular promises linked exclusively to the Rosary prayer. No documentary reference has been found to the fact that this advocation was born of an apparition linked to the Rosary, or to the existence of a tradition of Rosario processonal other than common Marian practice in Colombia.

However, as in almost all Marian shrines of a cathedral character, the Holy Rosary It is central to the piety of the faithful and pastoral animation. The title of "Poverty" refers to the humility and simplicity of Mary, features that the Rosary helps to contemplate by meditating on the mysteries of Christ's life with his Mother. In this advocation, the prayer of the Rosary is particularly lived as a school of trust in the providence of God, of solidarity with the poorest and of intercession for the specific needs of the city of Pereira. Thus, even if there is no specific historical link documented, the Rosary It naturally accompanies devotion to Our Lady of Poverty, helping the faithful to enter into the contemplation of Christ with the poor and open heart of Mary.