“Confiad en mí” is what the Virgin said. According to the legend, she promised to assist and protect so that no one would go hungry again. Right here before the Iglesia Católica Virgen del Cisne we delve into its history. This very spot is believed to be where the Virgin appeared.
The story of the Iglesia Católica Virgen del Cisne begins long ago. In 1594 the indigenous people of El Cisne faced terrible hardships. A severe drought and a plague of rats devastated their crops. Starvation threatened their very existence. Desperate they considered abandoning their homes. It was then on October 12 1594 that the Virgin Mary appeared to them. She instructed them to build a temple in that location. She promised her assistance and protection.
The people heeded her words. They began constructing the Iglesia Católica Virgen del Cisne. It was a simple structure at first. They sought an image of the Virgin for their new church. A delegation traveled to Quito. They found inspiration in a statue of Santa María de Guadalupe. It was venerated in Spain. They commissioned a copy of it. The Spanish sculptor Diego de Robles created the image. It became known as Nuestra Señora del Cisne.
But the devotion of the people wavered. They began to mix their old superstitions with their new faith. The remote location of El Cisne made it difficult for priests to visit. They could not properly teach the Catholic faith. Diego de Zorrilla ordered the people to move to San Juan Bautista de Chuquiribamba. This town had resident priests. He believed it would help them learn.
However the Virgin had other plans. When the people arrived in Chuquiribamba with the image a terrible storm erupted. Houses were destroyed. Trees were uprooted. The terrified residents begged the people of El Cisne to return. They also asked to take the holy image with them. Almost immediately the storm subsided. The authorities did not insist on the move again. The Virgin wanted to stay in El Cisne.
A miraculous spring is also linked to the Iglesia Católica Virgen del Cisne. Around 1800 a pilgrim from Peru was traveling to the sanctuary. He wished to give thanks for his miraculous healing. As he climbed the steep hill he became exhausted and thirsty. He collapsed praying for water. Suddenly he saw a small patch of moisture nearby. Water began to flow toward him. He quenched his thirst and regained his strength. He continued his pilgrimage to the sanctuary. The water source became a sacred site.
The Iglesia Católica Virgen del Cisne stands as a testament to faith. Its construction began in 1930 and was completed in 1978. It is built in the neogothic style. It welcomes pilgrims from all over.
The story continues to inspire. People visit to honor the Virgen del Cisne. They seek solace. They seek miracles. This church embodies the enduring power of faith. It showcases the strength and resilience of a community.