Immaculate Conception, patron of Concepción of Uruguay

Patrona de Concepción del Uruguay

There is no documentation that clearly attests to the historical origin of the advocation of the Immaculate Conception as patron of Concepción del Uruguay (Entre Ríos, Argentina) nor of a self-named sanctuary in the Department of Entre Ríos (Colombia). There is no precise, continuous and verifiable reference to a "Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception" in Concepción del Uruguay (Argentina) or in a homonymous place in Colombia; therefore, the concrete data on foundation, canonical erection of the temple and official designation of patronage no constan in accessible and reliable sources.

Main data

Origin and history

There is no documentation that clearly attests to the historical origin of the advocation of the Immaculate Conception as patron of Concepción del Uruguay (Entre Ríos, Argentina) nor of a self-named sanctuary in the Department of Entre Ríos (Colombia). There is no precise, continuous and verifiable reference to a "Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception" in Concepción del Uruguay (Argentina) or in a homonymous place in Colombia; therefore, the concrete data on foundation, canonical erection of the temple and official designation of patronage no constan in accessible and reliable sources.

What is clear and documented is the doctrinal and liturgical background: the Immaculate Conception of Mary is a dogma proclaimed by the Pope Pío IX mediante la bula Ineffabilis God el 8 December 1854according to which the Virgin Mary was preserved immune from every stain of original sin from the first moment of her conception, by the singular grace of God and in attention to the merits of Christ. The liturgical solemnity of the Immaculate One is universally celebrated 8 December. On this theological and liturgical basis, many Marian patronings and sanctuaries have developed under this title in various countries.

In the absence of verifiable data, any detailed account of the origin of this advocation as a local patron, its link to the Confederation or its specific historical process in Concepción del Uruguay (whether in Argentina or in a homonymous town in Colombia) would belong to the undocumented local tradition; therefore, here no se expone to avoid attributing as historical information that is not supported by reliable sources.

The image and the sanctuary

A precise and documented description of the headline image venerated as Immaculate Conception in a "Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception" of Conception of Uruguay, neither in Argentina nor in Colombia. No secure data are available on the author, date, material the dimensions. So, no consta rigorously whether it is a wooden size, a dress image, plaster sculpture, colonial or later work.

From the iconographic point of view, the classical representation of the Immaculate Conceptionas it has spread in the sacred Spanish art, it shows the Virgin Mary young, standing, with blue mantle and white robe, on a half moon and often crushing the snake, with a crown of 12 starsin reference to Ap 12.1. These symbolic elements - half moon, serpent, star crown, predominance of the celestial blue color - are usually associated with the Immaculate in the Catholic iconographic tradition, but, in this particular case, it cannot be ensured that the local image reproduces all these features, because it lacks a clearly identified and documented official or photographic description.

Concerning sanctuary or templea canonically clear and verifiable reference to the "Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception" in Concepción del Uruguay that allows to describe its architectural style, construction dates, reforms, declaration as a minor basilica or diocesan / national sanctuary. They should therefore be considered as no constatados the specific data on their architecture, relative antiquity between the Marian temples of the region or their possible title of minor basilica.

Sponsorship and coronation

The title Immaculate Conception is one of the most widespread Marian patronings in the Church; for example, it is United States bosswhose designation was approved by Pius IX in 1847, and its holiday is held on December 8. However, with regard specifically to Conception of Uruguay and a possible Official patronage about the city, municipality or diocese - whether in Argentina or in a homonymous place in Colombia -, no consta in verifiable sources a pontifical, episcopal or civil decree that can be cited with precision.

About a possible canonical coronation of the image of the Immaculate as patron of Concepción of Uruguay, no reliable reference has been found in ecclesiastical documentation, Catholic press or Marian repertory. Accordingly, according to the rules laid down:

Canon coronation: there is no documented canonical coronation.

Party and devotion

La main party of the Immaculate Conception in the Universal Church is celebrated the 8 December, with the rank of solemnity in the Roman calendar. In all places where the Immaculate One is a patron, this date is often the center of novenas, processions, and parish or diocesan celebrations; but in the specific case of devotion in the supposed basilica of Concepción of Uruguay, no detailed data are found. pilgrimages, afluencia de fieles, ni de specific popular traditions sufficiently documented to be described rigorously.

It can be said, based on the general praxis of the Church, that devotion to the Immaculate is usually expressed by:

– Celebración solemne de la Eucharist el 8 de diciembre. – Novena previa a la solemnidad, con meditaciones sobre el misterio de la Inmaculada. – Recitación del Act of Consecration to the Immaculate and other traditional Marian prayers.

However, in the absence of specific testimonies on the customs of Concepción del Uruguay (whether in Argentina or Colombia) linked to this advocation, they should be considered as no constatadas the local particularities of the party and its popular dimension (romanias, typical offerings, promises, etc.).

Link to the Rosary

There is no relationship in the sources consulted specific and documented between the invocation of the Immaculate Conception as patron of Conception of Uruguay and a particular practice of Rosary (for example, specific historical co-fradies, community promises, pardons, etc.). The link should therefore be expressed in key general theological and spiritual.

The mystery of the Immaculate Conception subraya la orriginaria of Mary and her full openness to the grace of God. This truth of faith is seen in an organic way in the Rosarywho walks the life of Christ with the eyes of Mary. Each mystery - joyful, bright, painful and glorious - is seen with a Mother who has been "full of grace" from the first moment of her existence. The repeated prayer of Hail Maryespecially in the Solemnity of December 8, it helps to enter into this mystery: by proclaiming "full of grace," it is remembered the unique gift of God which the Church dogmatically formulates in the title of Immaculate Conception.

Thus, even if a specific local tradition linked to the Rosary is not known in this sanctuary, devotion to the Immaculate leads naturally to a prayer of the most contemplative Rosarywho thanks the work of grace in Mary and, by her intercession, requests the purification of the heart to live in the Church the same filial availability that characterized the Virgin since her immaculate conception.