“Did you know that the Virgen del Sagrario isn’t just a name? It’s a title steeped in history and devotion. However, this Virgen del Sagrario is located in Toledo, not Madrid.
Let me tell you about Nuestra Señora del Sagrario. She is a representation of the Virgin Mary. Her efigie is also known as Santa María de Toledo. This statue is a Romanesque carving. It is plated in silver. The Virgen del Sagrario wears a mantle adorned with many pearls. You can see her in the Cathedral of Toledo. She resides in the museum section of the cathedral.
The Catholic Church celebrates her feast day every August 15.
Legend says that the Cathedral of Toledo was graced by the Virgin Mary herself. She descended from the heavens to honor Saint Ildephonsus. He was the Archbishop of Toledo in the 7th century. Years later a small wooden image of the Virgin arrived at the Cathedral. Tradition says that it belonged to one of the apostles. Saint Eugene brought it to Toledo from Limoges in France.
This original statue is made of dark wood almost black. It is just over 3 feet tall. The Virgen del Sagrario sits on a curule seat. Both the statue and the seat are covered in thick silver plate. Her garments are pleated. They are decorated with precious stones.
Over time the statue needed repair. During this process its movable arms and crown disappeared. The restorers added other hands a diadem and the Child Jesus.
In 1504 the statue moved to the Relicario or Sagrario of the Cathedral. This is where various saints’ relics were kept. From then on she received the title “del Sagrario”. This also refers to the fact that she was the tabernacle where God dwelt before birth.
The Virgen del Sagrario has been greatly venerated since her installation in 1226. Many songs have been written about her since the 11th century. King Alfonso X the Wise called her “La de Toledo”. He wrote this in his famous Cantigas. These were poetic compositions sung to the Virgin Mary in the Middle Ages.
In 1678 Pope Innocent XI decreed a plenary indulgence. This was for those who piously venerated her on the Feast of the Assumption. Seven hundred years after her first enthronement she was re-enthroned in 1926. Pope Pius XI performed the ceremony. In 1936 the Virgin’s crown disappeared during the Spanish Civil War. It was later found in Barcelona. The image of the Virgen del Sagrario was crowned again in 1939.
The primary church of Toledo holds an Octave and a Novena to Mary Most Holy of the Sagrario. Many popular songs and religious tunes refer to Nuestra Señora del Sagrario. Since 1616 the Octave of the Virgen del Sagrario has been celebrated. It runs from August 15 to 22. It commemorates the glorification and Assumption of the Virgin in body and soul into heaven.
In 1150 a miracle occurred. Pedro de Solarana was healed of deafness. He was the brother of Count Ponce.
The image of Santa María de Toledo has been the focus of many supernatural events. However the church did not allow ex-votos in her chapel. If allowed the space would be covered with offerings expressing gratitude for her intercession.
Every August 15 Toledo celebrates the Asunción de María. This day is known as la Virgen del Sagrario. The Virgin of the Tabernacle is the patron saint of Toledo. A tradition involves drinking water from clay jugs.
So while we may not be in Toledo today remember the Virgen del Sagrario. She is a symbol of faith history and the enduring spirit of Toledo.”