Virgin of the Thirty-Three facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Our Lady of the Thirty-Three |
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| Patroness of Uruguay | |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Major shrine | Cathedral of Florida, Uruguay |
| Attributes | Virgin Mary in the form of the Assumption, white robe, blue cloak, golden bejeweled crown, sliver of moon held by cherubs |
| Patronage | Uruguay and Uruguayan people |
Our Lady of the Thirty-Three (Spanish: Nuestra Señora de los Treinta y Tres) is also known as the Liberator of Uruguay. This is a special title for the Virgin Mary, who is considered the main protector, or Patroness, of Uruguay.
History of the Image
The image of Our Lady of the Thirty-Three was created in the 1700s. It was made by the Guaraní people, who are native to parts of South America.
This image became very important to a group of heroes called the Thirty-Three Orientals. In 1825, these brave leaders fought for Uruguay's freedom. They looked to the Virgin Mary for help and guidance.
Later, in 1857, one of these heroes, General Manuel Oribe, gave a special golden crown to the Virgin. This was a gift to show thanks and respect.
In 1930, Pope Pius XI, who was the leader of the Roman Catholic Church at the time, officially named Our Lady of Lujan as the Patroness of Uruguay. A high-ranking church official named Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli, who later became Pope Pius XII, signed this important document.
Years later, in 1962, the image was given a special crowning ceremony by Bishop Humberto Tonna. Soon after, Pope John XXIII declared her the official patron saint of Uruguay.
The image received another special blessing from Pope John Paul II when he visited Uruguay in 1988.
Why People Honor Her
The main church where this image is honored is the Cathedral of Florida. People have been making special trips, called pilgrimages, to this church since Uruguay became an independent country. For example, they would go there to pray during times of serious sickness or diseases.
The very first national pilgrimage took place in 1908. Another important pilgrimage happened in 1945, led by Bishop Miguel Paternain. He traveled across almost half of the country to honor the Virgin.
Today, a yearly pilgrimage is still held every second Sunday in November.
Churches and Shrines
Many churches across Uruguay are dedicated to Our Lady of the Thirty-Three:
- The main church, the Cathedral Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Thirty-Three in Florida.
- The Parish Church of Our Lady of the Thirty-Three in Maldonado.
- The Parish Church of Our Lady of the Thirty-Three in Treinta y Tres.
- The Parish Church of Our Lady of the Thirty-Three in Montevideo.
- The Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral also has an important image of the Virgin of the Thirty-Three.
There are also many smaller chapels dedicated to her all over the country.
