IGLESIA EL ROCIO

“Have you heard whispers of the ‘Lady of Peace’?” I ask, gesturing towards the IGLESIA EL ROCIO. “Here, nestled on Zhalao Hill, overlooking Quito, stands a testament to faith and resilience.” The IGLESIA EL ROCIO isn’t just a church. It’s a beacon, born from a time of desperation. In 1893, a devastating drought gripped Biblián, a town near Quito. Animals perished. Crops withered. The townspeople prayed for salvation. Their priest, Father Daniel Muñoz, climbed Zhalao Hill with a small image of the Virgin Mary. He placed it in a small grotto. The heavens opened, and rain poured down, reviving the parched land. This miracle marked the birth of the IGLESIA EL ROCIO. The initial wooden structure, built in 1895, couldn’t contain the growing number of pilgrims. The IGLESIA EL ROCIO we see today, with its gothic arches and granite columns, began construction in 1908, spearheaded by Father José Benigno Iglesias. Its tower, supported by 49 granite columns, reaches towards the sky. The church is adorned with wrought iron chandeliers. In 1924, the structure was transformed into a magnificent stone edifice, a testament to the community’s unwavering faith. Even amidst conflict, the IGLESIA EL ROCIO provided solace. During the Liberal Revolution of 1896, the image of the Virgin was moved to Cuenca for safekeeping. When the Liberals, led by Eloy Alfaro, were victorious, some hailed the Virgin as the “Señora Liberala” or “Chapulita.” IGLESIA EL ROCIO became a symbol of hope, peace, and divine intervention. As you ascend the steps to IGLESIA EL ROCIO today, remember its humble beginnings and the unwavering devotion that brought it to life. It stands as a reminder that even in the direst of times, faith can blossom into something truly extraordinary.