Our Lady of Chiquinquira is the patron saint of Colombia, a Marian devotion deeply venerated throughout the country and a powerful symbol of faith, hope, and national unity. Her story dates back to the 16th century, and her sanctuary is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the country. Also known as the Queen and Patroness of Colombia, her miraculous image has been a source of spiritual comfort for millions of faithful who turn to her with devotion.
The history of our Lady of Chiquinquira
The story of Our Lady of Chiquinquira begins in 1562, when Dominican friar Andrés Jadraque arrived in Sutamarchán, in what is now the department of Boyacá. He brought with him a cloth with the image of the Virgin of the Rosary, painted by the artist Alonso de Narváez in Tunja. The artwork was placed in a small chapel in the indigenous village of Chiquinquirá, but over time, due to neglect, the canvas deteriorated almost completely, losing its color and definition.
In 1586, what believers consider a miracle occurred: while Maria Ramos, a devout woman who lived near the old chapel, was fervently praying, the image on the canvas began to shine and was mysteriously restored. Since then, the image has been considered miraculous, and the site became a center of Marian veneration.
The National Marian Shrine
@que_maravill4 Un pequeño vistazo la emblemática Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Chiquinquirá, oficialmente Basílica Santuario Mariano Nacional de Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Chiquinquirá, es una basílica menor de culto católico ubicada en la ciudad colombiana de Chiquinquirá, en el departamento de Boyacá. #chiquinquira #basilica #virgenmaria #virgen #drone #boyaca #occidentedeboyaca #fyp #religion #catolico #catolicostiktok #colombia #iglesiacatolica #iglesia #oracion #viajando #parati ♬ sonido original – Qué Maravilla
At the site of the miracle, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquira was built. This church, located in the municipality of the same name, is one of the most prominent religious pilgrimage sites in Colombia. Every year, thousands of faithful from all regions of the country and abroad travel there to thank the Virgin for received favors or to ask for her intercession in difficult times.
The basilica was elevated to the rank of a national shrine, and its architectural beauty reflects the respect and devotion of the Colombian people toward their patroness. In 1919, Pope Benedict XV officially declared Our Lady of Chiquinquira as the Queen and Patroness of Colombia. Later, in 1986, Pope John Paul II visited the shrine during his apostolic journey to Colombia, further reinforcing the spiritual importance of this Marian devotion.
A symbol of unity and faith
Our Lady of Chiquinquira is much more than a religious figure; she is a national symbol that unites Colombians beyond regional, social, or political differences. In times of crisis, violence, or uncertainty, the image of the Virgin has served as a point of encounter and reconciliation. It is common to see her image in processions, altars, and religious celebrations across the country.
Her feast is celebrated every July 9th, a date on which the faithful gather in Chiquinquira and in other cities to honor the Virgin. During this celebration, masses, processions, hymns, and prayers take place, and it is common to see people walking long distances as a demonstration of faith and gratitude.