Our Lady of Peace of Yamusukro

Marian title of Yamusukro (Ivory Coast)

La Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamusukro (Basilique Notre- Dame de la Paix de Yamoussoukro) is a Catholic temple dedicated to the Virgin Mary under the title of Queen of Peace, located in Yamusukro, political capital of Côte d'Ivoire. Its construction was promoted by President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, from the city, who wanted to erect a great Marian sanctuary in his native place. The work was carried out between 1985 y 1989.

Main data

Origin and history

La Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamusukro (Basilique Notre- Dame de la Paix de Yamoussoukro) is a Catholic temple dedicated to the Virgin Mary under the title of Queen of Peace, located in Yamusukro, political capital of Côte d'Ivoire. Its construction was promoted by President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, from the city, who wanted to erect a great Marian sanctuary in his native place. The work was carried out between 1985 y 1989.

The basilica was on 10 September 1990 por San Juan Pablo IIduring an apostolic trip to Ivory Coast. The Pope agreed to dedicate the temple to the Virgin under the title of Our Lady of Peace, insisting on the creation of a nearby hospital as a social work linked to the sanctuary. Since then, the temple is attached to the Latin rite of the Catholic Church, within the jurisdiction of the diocese of Yamusukro.

Not known apparitions, foundational miracles, and legendary traditions that have given rise to this advocation in Yamusukro; it is a modern Marian dedication, in continuity with other titles of Mary as Queen of Peacewhich the Church especially calls upon in contexts of conflict and the search for reconciliation. There is no ancient local tradition or legend associated with the title in this city.

The image and the sanctuary

En la basílica, la main image of Our Lady of Peace is part of the iconographic program of the huge building, especially in its Glassware and mosaics. The iconography presents Mary as Queen and Mother of Peaceoften with the Child Jesus in arms and motifs of peace (olive bouquets, light, soft colors), although no documentation is made only sculptural image which is the object of a unique devotion as in other traditional Marian shrines. A representation of Mary in the architecture and set of biblical and Marian images of the temple predominate.

The sanctuary bears the official name of Our Lady of Peace Basilica of Yamoussoukro. Es una minor basilica and is known for its exceptional dimensions, inspired by the Basilica of St. Peter of the Vatican: its great dome and columnate clearly refer to the Roman model, although with modern adaptations and materials. The building reaches approximately 158 meters high and can host several thousand faithful, which has led to a frequent description of it as the world's largest basilica on surface.

The interior stands out for its large central space, its marble pavement, a higher altar and an extensive series of vitrals representing biblical scenes, figures of saints and Marian motifs. The basilica is not officially declared national sanctuary, but in practice it plays a role of Marian sanctuary of national and international scope within the Church in Ivory Coast.

Sponsorship and coronation

The dedication of the temple to Our Lady of Peace has a strong sense of spiritual patronage on Ivory Coastespecially on its political capital, Yamusukro. Although the country has other relevant Marian devotions, it is not clear that the Episcopal Conference has formally proclaimed this advocation as national employer with specific decree; it is clear its symbolic role as peace and reconciliation for the nation, especially in times of socio-political tensions.

As for the ecclesial solemnity, the Basilica enjoys the title of minor basilica, which is a close link with the Pope and the universal Church. However, with regard to a canonical coronation of a concrete image of Our Lady of Peace of Yamusukro, does not contain a documented canonical coronation in the sources consulted.

Party and devotion

The Basilica particularly celebrates Mary's memory as Queen of Peacethat the Roman liturgy remembers the 22 August (memory of Mary Queen) and, more broadly, on various dates linked to peace and national life; however, does not contain a particular liturgical holiday date for "Our Lady of Peace of Yamusukro" other than the general calendar.

La basílica acoge pilgrimages of the faithful of the Marshalans and other African countries, especially in great Marian solemnities (Immaculate Conception, Asunción, Mary Reina) and at significant times for the nation. The faithful gather to Solemn Eucharist, prayer vigil for peace and penitential acts, imploring the intercession of the Virgin for the reconciliation and stability of the country. The flow figures vary according to the political and economic context; in general, it is a sanctuary with a less than the maximum capacity of the building, but with important symbolic and spiritual value for the Church of the Marfiestra.

Between the Devotional features the prayers for peace in Côte d'Ivoire and Africa, the personal and family consecration to the Virgin, and the participation in liturgical celebrations that underline the dimension of Mary as Mother of the Church and of peace. The presence of groups of young people, ecclesial movements and religious communities contributes to a regular spiritual life around the sanctuary.

Link to the Rosary

In the documentation available on the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamusukro does not contain a specific and structured relationship of the sanctuary with the prayer of the Rosary, as could exist in Fatima, Lourdes or other centres officially defined as "shrines of the Rosary." There are no mention of the Rosary's co-fradies nor of a party of its own explicitly linked to this prayer.

However, as in everything great Marian sanctuary of Latin rite, el Rosario is an ordinary part of devotional life of the faithful: they pray in pilgrimages, before or after the Eucharist, and in peace vigil. The invocation of Mary as Queen of Peace particularly with the RosarySince this prayer meditates on the mysteries of Christ - mysteries of peace, reconciliation and hope - in the company of the Mother of the Lord. In a country marked by tensions and conflicts, the Rosary in Yamusukro in fact becomes a peace schoolwhere the contemplation of Jesus' life with Mary supports the supplication for unity, justice and national reconciliation.