Our Lady of Mercy of Paparo, patron saint of the Barlovento region

Marian Advocation of Paparo (Miranda)

In accessible online sources, a specific documented historical description on the Invocation of Our Lady of the Mercedes de Paparo in the department of Miranda (Colombia). For the time being, they do not contain verifiable data on the foundation of the sanctuary, the date of arrival of the image, or ecclesiastical documents detailing its erection as a sanctuary or parish under this title. Consequently, many data that often accompany other claims (founders, ecclesiastical authorities, exact dates) no constan for this particular place.

Main data

Origin and history

In accessible online sources, a specific documented historical description on the Invocation of Our Lady of the Mercedes de Paparo in the department of Miranda (Colombia). For the time being, they do not contain verifiable data on the foundation of the sanctuary, the date of arrival of the image, or ecclesiastical documents detailing its erection as a sanctuary or parish under this title. Consequently, many data that often accompany other claims (founders, ecclesiastical authorities, exact dates) no constan for this particular place.

In the Spanish-American Catholic tradition, the Our Lady of the Mercedes (or of the Merced) It has been spread since the 13th century with the Order of the Merced and, in general, is associated with the protection and release of captives and the mercy of the Virgin. This devotion extends widely in Latin America, where various cities and regions have it as their patron. In the case of Paparo (Miranda, Colombia), it can be said, with caution, that his devotion is inserted into the large merchant current coming with evangelization, but no consta document the concrete way in which the image came to the place or the exact date on which it was declared patron of the area of Barcelona, even if that patronage has been formally recognized by ecclesiastical decree.

Since there is also a strong devotion to Our Lady of the Mercedes in Rio Chico (Miranda State, Venezuela), where it is venerated in a Marian sanctuary related to Venezuelan Paparo, it is important do not confuse both environments: this profile explicitly refers to Paparo, Miranda Department, Colombiaand not to Rio Chico-Paparo of the Venezuelan Barloventist area. For the Colombian town no constan official sources (diocese, episcopal conference, sanctuary) available online to make it possible to draw a detailed and secure history.

The image and the sanctuary

The public sources consulted do not offer a detailed and verifiable description of the concrete image venerated as Our Lady of the Mercedes de Paparo in Miranda (Colombia). It is not certain whether it is a wooden-sized image, a polychrome plaster sculpture, a dress-in-robe and mantle, or a painting. Also, in official sources, specific iconographic attributes (scepter, scapular, broken chains, crown, child Jesus, etc.) are not described to allow it to be characterized in detail, as is the case with many other merchant images in the Hispanic field. Consequently, no consta the precise iconographic description of this image.

Similarly, no consta with certainty the exact canon name and ecclesial category of the temple of Paparo (Colombia) where this advocation is venerated (if it is parish, diocesan sanctuary, or simply a chapel under its title). No references to it have been found minor basilica, National sanctuary ni diocesan sanctuary officially recognized. There are several parishes and temples with the title of Our Lady of the Mercedes in Colombia (for example, parishes in the Archdiocese of Bogotá and other departments), but none of the localized sources explicitly mention a "Sanctuary of the Mercedes de Paparo" in Miranda (Colombia). Therefore, in the absence of diocesan confirmation, it should be strictly stated that these data no constan.

Sponsorship and coronation

The advocation indicated is presented as "patron of the Barlovento area, protecting the villages of Barlovento". This formulation corresponds, according to available sources, to the devotion rooted in the area of Río Chico - Paparo in Miranda State, Venezuelawhere a Marian sanctuary is known dedicated to Our Lady of the Mercedes linked to the Barcelona culture. Stop Paparo (Miranda, Colombia)However, no constan official documents (diocesan decrees, capitular acts or other ecclesial legal instruments) that demonstrate a canonical patronage similar on municipalities, dioceses or regions.

On a possible canonical coronation (whether pontifical or diocesan) of the image venerated under the title of Our Lady of the Mercedes of Paparo in Colombia, does not contain a documented canonical coronation. No references have been found in diocesan bulletins, Catholic press notes or public records indicating date, coronant authority (pontifical delegate, diocesan bishop) or type of coronation. It should therefore be stated precisely: does not contain a documented canonical coronation for this advocation in Paparo (Miranda, Colombia).

Party and devotion

The litigation fiesta general de Our Lady of Mercy in the Latin Church is celebrated September 24, memory rooted in the Spanish and merchant calendar. It is reasonable to assume that in Paparo (Miranda, Colombia) the faithful also celebrate the feast of their patron on that date, given the universal tradition of advocation; however, no constan on-line official programs of employers' parties or data of inflow or pilgrimages specifically referred to this place.

In other shrines dedicated to the Virgin of the Mercedes, inside and outside Colombia, processions, preparatory novenas, solemn masses, floral offerings, dances and cultural expressions associated with the identity of the peoples are documented. For Paparo (Colombia), on the other hand, no chronicles or pastoral notes have been found to give a rigorous description of the characteristics of its celebration (procession, tour, local musical traditions, promises, etc.). Therefore, as regards organized pilgrimages, number of faithful, specific popular traditions or local Barloventist customs, these data no constan for this sanctuary in the department of Miranda, Colombia.

Link to the Rosary

No explicit reference has been found, in verifiable sources, which particularly links the Our Lady of the Mercedes de Paparo (Miranda, Colombia) with some the Rosary, collective promise of the Rosary prayer or specific Marian practices based on this prayer. Nor do they contain statutes of associations or hermandades of the Rosary formally linked to this sanctuary.

However, in the Marian tradition of the Church, the Rosary It is a central place in the life of the faithful who come to the images of the Virgin under very different vocations. The mystery of Mary as Mother of mercy and freedomso proper to the Merced, it is considered in a privileged way in the joyful, painful, glorious and luminous mysteries of the Rosary: in them is the Incarnation, the Cross and the Resurrection of Christ, as well as the presence of Mary with her Son and the Church. Where Our Lady of the Mercedes is venerated, the frequent and confident prayer of the Rosary becomes fireplace of filial confiancethe intercession by the captives of so many forms of slavery and consolation for the peoples who recognize it as a protector, also in Paparo, although it does not contain a documented rosarian tradition of its own.