Our Lady of the Angustias

Patrona de Granada

The Virgin of the Angustias is a devotional image of the 16th century that represents the Mother at the foot of the Cross, holding in her lap the body of Christ dead. Venerated in his basilica of Granada, he is patron of the city and of all his archdiocese, and consolation of those who come to it in the hour of pain.

Main data

Central message: in her pain at the foot of the Cross, Mary is close to all who suffer, accompanied by her consolation as Mother.

Brief story

The origin of devotion to the Virgin of the Angustias in Granada dates back to the first years of the Christian era of the city, when the first works of the iconographic type of the Mercy: The Virgin at the foot of the Cross holding the inert body of Christ. They testify to this works preserved in the Museum of Fine Arts of Granada, in the church of San Juan de los Reyes and in the altarpiece of the Royal Chapel, among others.

From these moments, devotion to an image of the Virgin on her knees and with her arms crossed on her chest is configured. To 1550-1560 that first image should have been replaced by a new one, attributed to the sculptor Gaspar Becerra According to Professor Encarnación Isla. The size was transformed over time: before 1614 the size of the dead Christ was incorporated on a table, and later the body and hands - these last work of Peter Duke Cornejo between 1714 and 1718 - were changed, until the aesthetics that are now contemplated were acquired.

The support of the Bishops of Granada

The devotion had a remarkable episcopal support, from Pedro de Castro and Quiñones, and especially in the 18th century with the prelates Martín de Ascarorta and Francisco de Perea and Porras, who with various initiatives encouraged their veneration not only in Granada, but throughout the archdiocese. This led to the development of important works of this iconographic type throughout Eastern Andalusia.

Patrona de Granada

El 18 February 1885the City of Granada requested the Pope to declare the Virgin of the Angustias the patron of the city. The 5 May 1887, Pope Leo XIII He granted the grace, making her patron of Granada. Years later, Pope Pius X authorized his coronation, which took place on 20 September 1913by Archbishop José Meseguer and Costa.

The visit of John Paul II

El 5 November 1982during his first visit to Spain, John Paul II made a stop at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angustias. The brief but emotional visit lasted the just time to kneel to the main altar and pray to the image of the Virgin.

Spiritual Message of the Angustias

The devotion to the Virgin of the Angustias continues to speak with simplicity today:

✝️ Mary accompanies in pain. With his Son's body on his lap, he understands human suffering as no one.
🤍 Mary does not run from the cross. It remains firm at the foot of Calvary, teaching to hold the most difficult hours.
🕊️ Mary is the comfort of the afflicted. Granada calls her Mother in her troubles, sure not to be alone.
🙏 Mary brings pain to hope. He who contemplates his sorrow discovers that, behind the cross, he awaits the light of the Resurrection.

Prayer to Our Lady of the Angustias

The Marian prayers and prepare his party on the last Sunday of September by sending you to his comfort.