Haven’t you heard the story of the oxen? Our Lady of Luján stands as a testament to faith and Argentine identity. It all began in 1630.
A settler wanted to invigorate Catholicism in Santiago del Estero. He ordered a terracotta image of the Immaculate Conception from Brazil. Two images arrived in Buenos Aires. They were placed in a caravan. After three days, the caravan stopped in Zelaya.
The next day, the oxen refused to move. The crate with one image was removed. Then the oxen moved again. People believed the Virgin wished to remain there. She became known as the Virgin Estanciera.
Manuel, an enslaved person, cared for the image. He maintained order and dressed the Virgin. After Rosendo de Trigueros died, Manuel continued his service.
Ana de Matos sought to move the Virgin to her ranch. She promised a dignified chapel for pilgrims. The image was moved but it mysteriously returned to its original place. This happened several times. The Bishop of Buenos Aires and the governor organized the Virgin’s transfer.
The small statue is only 38 cm tall. It represents the Immaculate Conception. The Basilica of Luján now houses the Virgin. The basilica was built between 1890 and 1937. Its neo-gothic architecture is impressive. Two 106-meter tall towers are visible from afar.
Pope Leo XIII honored Our Lady of Luján with a canonical coronation in 1886. The crown was made of pure gold. It held 365 diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires and 132 pearls.
Pope Pius XI declared Our Lady of Luján the Patroness of Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay in 1930. Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli, later Pope Pius XII, signed the document.
John Paul II visited Our Lady of Luján in 1982 during the Falklands War. He celebrated Mass and bestowed the Golden Rose. The Golden Rose is a gift from the Pope. It is blessed and anointed.
Every year, over six million Catholics make a pilgrimage to the Basilica. Luján is known as La Capital de la Fe. The feast day of Our Lady of Luján is May 8. It is a day of celebration. Pilgrims come to offer prayers.
Our Lady of Luján is more than just a statue. She is a symbol of faith. She represents a miraculous history. The Virgin continues to inspire devotion. She is a patroness for Argentina and beyond.