Listen to this. Buenos Aires was once known by a much longer name. It included the words “City of the Holy Trinity” and “Port of Our Lady the Virgin Mary of Good Airs”.
Welcome to the story of Our Lady the Virgin Mary of Good Airs. The name may be shortened now but the capital has not forgotten her. I’ll share a story about her deep roots here.
In 1536 Pedro de Mendoza made the First Foundation of Buenos Aires. He brought two Mercedarian priests on his ship. They carried a replica of the Madonna di Bonaria. Mendoza named that first “porteño” after Our Lady of the Good Airs.
The replica they brought from the Italian sanctuary is famous today. It is an image of the Virgin Mary. She holds the child Jesus in her left hand. She also holds a long candle in her right hand.
The story of this Virgin Mary began on a Spanish ship. As it sailed near Sardinia a storm arose. To survive, the crew threw heavy cargo overboard. When they threw the box with the statue of Mary into the sea the storm calmed immediately. That was in 1370.
Soon, the image of the Virgin Mary became popular. People in Sardinia were devoted to her. She became the protector of sailors. Her popularity grew to Cádiz. There, the devotion to the Virgin Mary was born too.
Pedro de Mendoza was a good navigator. He traveled to the distant world called America. He brought the Lady of Bonaria with him. He was a believer like many navigators of his time.
Juan de Garay made the Second Foundation of Buenos Aires. This was on June 11, 1580. He named the city Santísima Trinidad. He named the port Santa María de los Buenos Aires. The name Buenos Aires and the devotion to the Virgin Mary prevailed.
Today you can see an image of Our Lady of Buenos Aires in the Cathedral of the Federal Capital. There is a beautiful church in Caballito. It is the Basilica of Our Lady of Buenos Aires. You can find it on Avenida Gaona 1730. There is a very large sculpture of Our Lady of Buenos Aires there.
In the Plaza Cerdeña of Buenos Aires, there is another image. It is in front of the National Directorate of Migration. The Argentine Sardinian Federation donated it 50 years ago.
Santa María del Buen Ayre is the original name of Buenos Aires. Pedro de Mendoza founded it in 1536. The name symbolizes hope and prosperity. This Marian figure is a symbol of hope and faith. Throughout history the devotion has been fundamental. It plays a role in the religious and cultural life of the Argentinian capital.
The image is represented as the Virgin Mary with the child Jesus. She wears clothes typical of the colonial era. People attribute miracles and favors to her. Her popularity among the faithful has increased because of this.
Each year on December 8, the Feast of the Virgin takes place. Thousands gather in the Basilica of San Francisco. They come to pay tribute to the Virgin. Processions take place throughout the year. Images of the Virgin are carried through the streets. People sing and pray. Masses and novenas are celebrated in various parishes.
Her image has been used in art, music, and literature. She has become an emblem of the city. She has fostered solidarity among neighbors. They gather to collaborate on charitable activities in her name.
The devotion to Santa María del Buen Ayre dates back to colonial times. Spanish navigators invoked her. They sought her protection on their voyages. Over time, she became a symbol of hope. Argentinians are proud to have the Virgin Mary as their patron.