Our Lady of Meritxell

Patron of the Principality

According to the tradition and legendthe image of the Virgin was found by a shepherd in the middle of winter, under a flower rosals, prodigy that he would have moved the inhabitants to venerate her right there and to build a first chapel in that place. Legend adds that the image miraculously returned to the site of the find every time it was moved, thus confirming the place chosen by the Virgin for her veneration.

Main data

Origin and history

According to the tradition and legendthe image of the Virgin was found by a shepherd in the middle of winter, under a flower rosals, prodigy that he would have moved the inhabitants to venerate her right there and to build a first chapel in that place. Legend adds that the image miraculously returned to the site of the find every time it was moved, thus confirming the place chosen by the Virgin for her veneration.

As for the documented historyit is known that there was a Marian sanctuary in Meritxell at least since the Middle Ages, with a church of Romanesque origin that was later reformed in the 17th century. The ancient Romanesque size of the Mare de Déu de Meritxell was dated between the 11th and 12th centuries and was considered one of the oldest images of the Principality. The 24 October 1873, el Consell General de les Valls (General Council of the valleys) unanimously declared the Virgin of Meritxell patrona de Andorra. Later, the 8 September 1921, after pontifical approval, was crowned as patron of the Principality.

A decisive event in his recent history was the fire of the ancient sanctuary en 1972in which the church was destroyed and the original Romanesque size of the Virgin was lost. After the fire, the architect was commissioned to build a new sanctuary Ricardo (Ricard) Bofill, which set up the current set of Meritxell.

The image and the sanctuary

La original image It was a size. Romanesque in polychrome wood, dated between the 11th and 12th centuries, and was considered the oldest Marian size of the Principality until its destruction in the 1972 fire. Iconographically it was a Saying Virgin with the Child, following the typical scheme of the Roman Pyrenees "Seas de Déu." That image is no longer preserved.

La currently venerated image es una replica of the missing Romanesque size. Some sources point out that it was performed by an Olot workshop following the canons of the original Romanesque, while others indicate that it is a work of the Andorran artist Red Jaume. In view of these different references, a single author is not fully certain. In any case, it is an image of inspired Romanesque style, in polychrome wood, that keeps the iconography of the Virgin in her arms.

The place of worship is the Basílica Santuari de Nostra Senyora de Meritxellin the parish of Canoethe village of Meritxell, in the Principality of Andorra. The historical set is formed by the ancient sanctuary (restaurado) y el New santuary the basilica, both declared goods of cultural interest. The new sanctuaryof contemporary lines, was designed by the architect Ricard Bofill After the 1972 fire. The church of the sanctuary has been recognized with the title and dignity of minor basilica, distinction granted by the Pope Francisco en 2014. Meritxell is today one of the most visited places in the Principality and is presented as true spiritual heart of Andorra.

Sponsorship and coronation

Our Lady of Meritxell is of the Principality of Andorra. El General Council of the valleys officially declared the country's patron 24 October 1873, thus recognizing their protection over the Andorran people. Subsequently, the title of the main patron of the Valles of Andorra was confirmed by the Holy See; it is a hundred years since this pontifical declaration in 2014, the date of the declaration of minor basilica by Pope Francis.

As for the canonical coronationthe sources agree to point out that the Virgin of Meritxell was solemnly crowned on 8 September 1921as patron of the Principality. This is a canonical coronation approved by the Pope (then Benedict XV, although the sources consulted do not specifically specify their name in the narrative of the fact). Therefore, there is a documented canonical coronation, although the name of the pontifical delegate who presided over the ceremony is not given in the sources.

Party and devotion

La Main holiday of Our Lady of Meritxell is celebrated the September 8and this day is also the national holiday of Andorra. Every year, on that date, a large aplec o romería to the sanctuary, with the presence of a large concurrence, chaired by representatives of the Coprinciples (the Bishop of Urgell and the President of the French Republic) and by the authorities of the Principality.

The devotion to the Mare de Déu de Meritxell is deeply rooted in Andorran religious and cultural identity, turning the sanctuary into a center of constant pilgrimages. Throughout the year, thousands of faithful and visitors come to to pray, participate in the Eucharist and present offerings. The sanctuary offers Sunday masses and special celebrations, and is one of the most visited tourist and spiritual places in the country. The set of Meritxell, with the old and new sanctuary, is full of symbols linked to the history and faith of the Andorran people, strengthening their role as National sanctuary.

Between popular traditionsthe pilgrimage of 8 September, the participation of civil and religious authorities, and the experience of Meritxell as a sign of protection over the "valleys of Andorra." The devotion is also expressed in the entronization of his image in other Marian shrines, such as the Marian Advocations Gallery of Torreciudad, where it was placed in 2016 as a sign of communion between shrines.

Link to the Rosary

It does not contain, in the sources consulted, a specific or own relationship of this advocation with a common, archical or particular practice of Rosary that distinguishes her from other Marian devotions. There is no mention of a feast of the Rosary of Meritxell or a canonically erected association exclusively linked to this prayer.

However, as in every Marian sanctuary, the prayer of the Rosary is a natural part of the piety of many pilgrims who come to the Basilica- Sanctuary of Meritxell, especially in the vigil, in the novies prior to the September 8 feast and in the organized pilgrimages. The Rosary, by meditating on the mysteries of Christ's life with Mary, helps to live the mystery of incarnation and salvation which the Church recognizes in the Virgin of Meritxell: Mother of God, Mother of the Church and patron who accompanies the Andorran people in their walk. Thus, even if there is no unique legal or historical link with the Rosary, this Marian prayer is a privileged road to join the spirituality that springs from the sanctuary and to welcome, with Mary, the grace of Christ in daily life.