Didn’t the founders of Uruguay once kneel before an image of the Virgin Mary here at Parroquia Virgen de los Treinta y Tres? This very act has shaped the nation’s identity. The story of Parroquia Virgen de los Treinta y Tres is one of faith and national pride.
Parroquia Virgen de los Treinta y Tres is dedicated to the Virgen de los Treinta y Tres. She is the Patron Saint of Uruguay. Pope John XXIII officially declared this in 1962. The church enshrines a wooden statue from the 18th century. This statue attracts thousands of pilgrims yearly. They come to honor Uruguay’s patron saint.
The image of Santa María is also known as the “Virgen de los Treinta y Tres”. The cedar statue is only 36 cm tall. It represents the Immaculate Conception. Crafted in the first half of the 18th century, it reflects early evangelization. Jesuit missions created it. Indigenous hands adapted it. The statue blends cultures. It combines Hispanic culture with the Guarani language. This blend characterized the region.
Legend says the image arrived from Jesuit Guarani missions. It was placed at an estancia called La Calera. Exposed to the elements, it guided the people of El Pintado. Today, El Pintado is known as Villa Vieja.
In 1779, Antonio Díaz gifted land for a chapel. Díaz was an Indian from Santo Domingo de Soriano. By 1790, the chapel became a vice-parish. It became a full parish in 1805. The original temple was dedicated to Nuestra Señora de Luján. This was the wish of Antonio Díaz.
Crude living conditions forced residents to move in 1809. Led by Father Santiago Figueredo, they sought refuge. They carried their patron to the banks of Santa Lucía. There, they founded Villa San Fernando de la Florida. Mary’s presence became central. It anchored the community. Father Santiago Figueredo built the temple. He installed the image from El Pintado.
Driven by José Artigas’ ideals, thirty-three Orientales arrived. They reached Villa San Fernando to declare their assembly. Patriots, civilians, and soldiers gathered. They went to the church to sing a Te Deum. The parish priest blessed them. They bowed before the Mother of God.
On August 25, 1825, Uruguay declared independence. After signing the declaration, they returned. They placed the nation under her protection. Since then, the image is called “Virgen de los Treinta y Tres”.
In 1894, Archbishop Soler ordered a marble plaque. It was placed near the Virgin’s image in Florida Cathedral. The plaque reads, “Before her, the Thirty-Three bowed their flag.” It also says, “The independence convention also invoked her.”
Monsignor Humberto Tonna requested papal coronation. Pope John XXIII granted this honor in 1961. The November celebration was unique. Bishops, government officials, and pilgrims attended. They all witnessed the coronation of the Virgen de los Treinta y Tres.
In 1962, Pope John XXIII named her “Patron of Uruguay”. The Virgin’s feast day gained national significance. In 1975, the government declared the cathedral a historical monument. The image of the Virgen de los Treinta y Tres also received this honor.
The Virgen de los Treinta y Tres presided over a Eucharist. Pope John Paul II officiated it. This was during his first visit to Uruguay in 1987. She also presided over a service in Florida. The Pope ordained thirteen priests there in 1988.
The image of the Virgen de los Treinta y Tres is small. It is only 36 cm tall. It resembles the “Immaculates” of Esteban Murillo. The baroque statue shows the Assumption. Her garments seem to move in the wind. Carved from cedar, it is painted blue, white, and gold.
Since 1857, she wears a gold crown with jewels. Manuel Oribe gifted it. He was the second chief of the Thirty-Three. He later became president. He thanked the Virgin for saving his family from a shipwreck. He always entrusted himself to her. In 1925, women gifted another crown. It was made with their jewels. This honored the centennial of the Declaration of Independence.
The Basilica Cathedral of Florida holds artistic treasures. They create an atmosphere of divine inspiration. They invite contemplation of God’s greatness and beauty.
Pilgrimages have always been a key celebration. The feast day is the second Sunday of November. It involves prayer and reflection.
Remember the Virgen de los Treinta y Tres. She embodies Uruguay’s faith and history. Her story echoes through these walls. It resonates in the hearts of Uruguayans.