Our Lady of the Rosary of the Miracle, patron of the city and archdiocese of Córdoba

Marian devotion of Cordoba (Cordoba)

According to the traditionthe image of Our Lady of the Rosary of the Miracle would have been sent to the ancient convent of Predicators of Córdoba (order of Santo Domingo) as a gift for the city, soon becoming the focus of an intense Marian devotion linked to the prayer of the Rosary. Various devotional sources attribute to it prodigious interventions throughout history, including the preservation of the city in the face of dangers and calamities, and in particular its protection from seismic movements, which explains the popular title of "Virgin of the Miracle." Cordobese piety also recalls his help in the English invasions of 1807, made to which is symbolically linked the flag sent by Liniers, preserved in his shrimp.

Main data

Origin and history

According to the traditionthe image of Our Lady of the Rosary of the Miracle would have been sent to the ancient convent of Predicators of Córdoba (order of Santo Domingo) as a gift for the city, soon becoming the focus of an intense Marian devotion linked to the prayer of the Rosary. Various devotional sources attribute to it prodigious interventions throughout history, including the preservation of the city in the face of dangers and calamities, and in particular its protection from seismic movements, which explains the popular title of "Virgin of the Miracle." Cordobese piety also recalls his help in the English invasions of 1807, made to which is symbolically linked the flag sent by Liniers, preserved in his shrimp.

As for the documented history, it is known that this is an image of ancient data (often dating from the 16th century in the local tradition) venerated in the church of Santo Domingo de Córdoba, where it was soon recognized as a special protector of the city. At the end of the 19th century, the diocese of Cordoba, under the Dominican bishop, Fra Reginaldo Toro O.P., raised to Rome the request for pontifical coronation, based on the fame of miracles of the image. Later, when the diocese was raised to archdiocese in 1934, the Holy See was asked to declare the Virgin of the Rosary of the Miracle as Patrona principal, recognition solemnly held on 3 October 1937.

(The invocation described here corresponds to Córdoba, Argentinawhere the Basilica of Santo Domingo is located; there is no equivalent advocation, with this history and data, linked to a sanctuary in Córdoba, department of Córdoba, Colombia. The indicated Colombian reference seems to be a geographical error: all local and ecclesial documentation places this devotion in Córdoba, Argentina.)

The image and the sanctuary

The image of Our Lady of the Rosary of the Miracle is an ancient size of the Virgin of the Rosary, traditionally venerated as an early work (it is usually indicated in the 16th century in local descriptions). Mary is represented as Mother and Queenwith the Child Jesus in arms and the rosary in hand, according to the classic iconographic model of the Virgin of the Rosary. The image, to dress, has been enriched with blankets and crowns of great devotional and symbolic value, especially from the pontifical coronation, which reinforced its character as Queen and Patron of Córdoba.

The sanctuary where it is venerated is the Basilica of Santo Domingo (church of the Dominican parents) in the city of Córdoba, Argentina. This temple, of long colonial history, was raised to the lower basilica and has become the center of devotion to the Virgin of the Rosary of the Miracle. Inside it is the shrimp of the Virgin, where, next to the image, historical memories are preserved, including the flag sent by Santiago de Liniers in thanks for the reconquest of Buenos Aires during the English invasions. The basilica stands out for its traditional architecture, its altarpieces and for being an important focus of Dominican and Marian spirituality in the archdiocese.

(There is no equivalent sanctuary in the sources consulted with this Marian title in Córdoba, department of Córdoba, Colombia; the correct reference for the Basilica of Santo Domingo and this title is Córdoba, Argentina.)

Sponsorship and coronation

Our Lady of the Rosary of the Miracle is Patrona of the city of Córdoba y Main patron of the Archdiocese of Córdoba (Argentina). The local chronicles emphasize that Cordoba, "famous for his piety and his science," recognized in this image a central focus of his religious and civic life, dedicating him a sanctuary and coming to him as a protector in the various historical circumstances that marked the identity of the city.

As for the coronation, it is noted that Bishop Fray Reginaldo Toro O.P., on behalf of his diocese, asked the Pope Lion XIII la pontifical crown for the image, which was granted "in attention to the graces obtained by its intermediary." The sources point out that Cordoba "renewed" his manifestations of love for his protector by crowning his forehead with the crown of Queen the 1 October 1892, the date on which the solemn coronation of the image was performed. No different year or later is expected for canonical coronation; therefore, it can be said that a documented canonical coronation, recognized as pontifical coronation by the concession of Lion XIII.

Party and devotion

La main solemnity in honor of the Virgin Mary of the Rosary of the Miracle, as Patroness of the Archdiocese of Córdoba, is celebrated the 3 Octoberthe date on which the declaration of his main patronage and the great parties held in 1937 are commemorated. A number of chronicles describe this October 3, 1937 as a day of extraordinary participation: more than one hundred thousand people are spoken with the image in procession, which gives an idea of the depth of this devotion in the people of Cordoba.

In the most recent pastoral practice, the celebration includes novena, solemn masses and a great procession from the Basilica of Santo Domingo to the center of the city, with participation of parishes, movements and Marian cofradies. Catholic media point out that the procession usually begins in the basilica in the afternoon and is directed towards a central square (old Vélez Sarsfield Square), where the Eucharist is celebrated in honor of the Patron. Devotion is characterized by strong popular participation, the presence of the The Rosary of the Miracle and the family character of the party, lived as a sign of protection and hope for Córdoba. It is not recorded in the consulted sources that the main feast is held on August 30; the archdiocesan liturgical date indicated is October 3.

Link to the Rosary

The link of this advocation with the Holy Rosary is essential: this is an image explicitly titled "of the Rosary", confiada a la Order of Preachers (Dominics), traditionally in charge of the dissemination of this Marian prayer. The iconography of the image, which presents Mary with the rosary, underlines that the intercession of the Virgin of the Miracle is experienced in a particular way through this practice.

The devotional life around the Virgin of the Rosary of the Miracle includes the community prayer of the Rosary in the temple and during the procession, as well as the continuing work of the Brotherhood of the Rosary of the Miracle to promote this prayer among the faithful. Pastoral testimonials describe how, at the patron's parties, the faithful accompany the image "with the Holy Rosary in their hands," joining in supplication and thanksgiving. Thus, the advocation shows in an exemplary way the character of the Rosary as school of contemplation of the mysteries of Christ with Maryand as a prayer of intercession for peace, the protection of the city and fidelity to the Catholic faith.