Sanctuary of Arantzazu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sanctuary of ArantzazuArantzazuko santutegia |
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| Sanctuary of Our Lady of Arantzazu | |
View of the Sanctuary
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 Sanctuary of Arantzazu
Arantzazuko santutegia Location in Spain
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| 42°58′45″N 2°23′55″W / 42.97904°N 2.39854°W | |
| Location | Arantzazu, Oñati |
| Country | Gipuzkoa, Spain |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| History | |
| Authorising papal bull | 14th–15th century |
| Dedication | Virgin of Arantzazu |
| Architecture | |
| Completed | 1950s |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Diocese of Donostia-San Sebastián |
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Arantzazu is a special church run by Franciscan monks. It is located in Oñati, in the Basque Country, Spain. This church is very important to the people of Gipuzkoa. The Virgin of Arantzazu is the patron saint of the province, along with Ignatius of Loyola.
The sanctuary is in a quiet, peaceful area of the Aizkorri mountains. It is easy to reach by road. Many people visit the sanctuary, including religious followers and tourists from the area and other countries. The church stands where people believe the Virgin of Arantzazu appeared to a shepherd named Rodrigo de Balanzategui in 1468.
A famous legend says that the shepherd found a statue of the Virgin Mary in a thorn bush. He was so surprised that he exclaimed, "Arantzan zu?!" This means "You, among the thorns?!" This exclamation is said to have given the place its name. However, another explanation is that the name "Arantzazu" comes from the Basque words "arantza" (thorn) and "zu" (meaning "abundance"). This would mean "place abounding in hawthorn."
"Arantzazu" is also a popular girl's name in Spain, especially in the Basque areas. You might see it as Arantza, Arantxa, or Arancha.
The sanctuary is also a great starting point for hiking. Many well-marked trails lead from Arantzazu to the beautiful meadows of Urbia. You can also reach the Aizkorri mountain range and other areas from here.
The image of the Virgin Mary at Arantzazu was given a special honor by Pope Leo XIII in 1886. A copy of this image was brought to the Philippines in 1705. This Philippine image also received a special honor from Pope Francis in 2017. It is now kept in a church in San Mateo, Rizal.
The Name of Arantzazu
The name of the sanctuary, the place, and the Virgin Mary are all connected to the story of her appearance. The word arantzazu comes from the Basque words "arantza" (meaning "thorn") and "zu" (meaning "abundance"). So, "Arantzazu" means "abundance of thorns." This refers to the many thorny bushes that grow in the area.
In 1571, a historian named Esteban de Garibay wrote about the Virgin's appearance. He shared a well-known story he heard from someone who knew a shepherd named Rodrigo de Balanzategui. This shepherd supposedly found a small statue of the Virgin Mary with a child in her arms. It was hidden in a thorny bush, next to a cowbell. When he saw it, he cried out, "Arantzan zu?!" This means "In the thorns, you?!"
This legend was also written down by Franciscan Gaspar de Gamarra in 1648. He described the shepherd's surprise at finding the beautiful image of Mary in a thorn bush. The shepherd wondered why the Queen of Angels would be in such a humble place.
The sanctuary's coat of arms, designed by Padre Lizarralde, shows this legend. It features a thorn bush with a star blooming from it. The star's light chases away a dragon. The coat of arms also includes the words "Arantzan zu."
The Basilica Building
Work on the new basilica building began in 1950. It was finished and opened five years later. Francisco Javier Sáenz de Oiza and Luis Laorga were the main architects who designed the church. Many other artists also helped create its beautiful features:
- Lucio Muñoz created the large altarpiece.
- Jorge Oteiza made the sculptures of the Apostles.
- Eduardo Chillida designed the entrance gates.
- Nestor Basterretxea painted the crypt.
- Xabier Álvarez de Eulate created the colorful stained-glass windows.
The Franciscan convent at Arantzazu has been an important place for Basque culture. It continued to support Basque traditions even when they were not allowed by the government.
The main celebration at Arantzazu happens every year on September 9.
See also
In Spanish: Santuario de Aránzazu para niños
