Catholic Celabration

Virgen de los Angeles

This is a very special week in Costa Rica. We celebrate the 2nd of August the day of our Saint Patron “La Virgen de los Angeles“.

Costa Rica is very Catholic. As a matter of fact, Costa Rica is declared Catholic by its constitution.

The leyend about the Virgin say that on August 2 of 1635, a small stone sculpture was found on top of a stone by Juana Pereira. She was a poor mestizo lady that every morning woke up to collect fire wood. With great joy Juana picked up the treasure, never imagining that five times more would be found in the same place. The image disappeared from drawers, chests, and even the parish tabernacle, to return to the rock where she had been found. Then everyone understood that the Virgin wanted a place of prayer there where he could give his love to the humble and the poor.

Basilica de la Virgen de los Angeles

In August, the Basilica is  subject of an extensive pilgrimage and visitation.  About 1.5 million believers throughout the country and many from out of the country join the celebration.  Lots of them do a 22 kilometer walk to the basilica during the Romeria.

pilgrimage

La Virgen de los Angeles was declared patroness of the Americas by Pope John Paul II. The Sanctuary is located in the community of Los Angeles in Cartago.

Many miracles have occurred through the intercession of the Virgin. Read this article that illustrates