Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia
Dominican Republic·Salvaleón de Higüey·Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia in Higüey
The Basilica-Cathedral of Our Lady of Altagracia, located in Salvaleón de Higüey, Dominican Republic, is a significant Roman Catholic minor basilica and the cathedral seat for the Diocese of Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia in Higüey. It is dedicated to Our Lady of Altagracia, the patroness of the nation, and houses a revered painting of the Virgin Mary that draws over 800,000 visitors annually.
Key Facts
- ›The basilica is dedicated to our Lady of Altagracia, the patroness of the Dominican Republic.
- ›It was raised to the status of a minor basilica by Pope Paul VI on December 17, 1970.
- ›The interior of the basilica was completed in 1971.
- ›The basilica is built on a site believed to be where a portrait of the Virgin Mary was miraculously found each morning.
- ›The painting of our Lady of Altagracia has been on display since 1571 and was brought to the basilica in 1970.
- ›The Feast of our Lady of Altagracia is celebrated as a national holiday on January 21.
Roman Catholic
Our Lady of Altagracia
Painting of Our Lady of Altagracia
About Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia
Basilica-Cathedral of Our Lady of Altagracia
The Basilica-Cathedral of Our Lady of Altagracia, also known as Basílica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, stands as a prominent Roman Catholic minor basilica and cathedral in Salvaleón de Higüey, Dominican Republic. It is the ecclesiastical seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia in Higüey and is dedicated to Our Lady of Altagracia, who is revered as the patroness of the nation. The basilica is a significant pilgrimage site, drawing over 800,000 visitors each year, primarily to venerate the painting of Our Lady of Altagracia housed within.
History and Significance
The origins of the basilica are intertwined with a local legend concerning a portrait of the Virgin Mary. According to tradition, a young girl in Salvaleón de Higüey received a portrait of the Virgin Mary, which was inexplicably found outside her home each morning. This recurring event led to the site becoming sacred, and the basilica was eventually constructed on this hallowed ground. The revered painting itself has been on display since 1571 and was moved to the basilica in 1970. The cathedral was officially elevated to the status of a minor basilica by Pope Paul VI on December 17, 1970, with its interior being completed in 1971. Pope John Paul II visited the basilica during his 1992 trip to the Dominican Republic. The image of Our Lady of Altagracia also features on the reverse of the Dominican Republic's 50-peso note.
Religious Observances
The Feast of Our Lady of Altagracia is a nationally recognized holiday in the Dominican Republic, celebrated on January 21st. The observance date can be adjusted to the preceding Friday or following Monday, depending on the day of the week. This feast day was historically celebrated on August 15th, the Assumption of Mary, but was moved to January 21st to commemorate a significant victory over the French in 1690.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Basilica-Cathedral of Our Lady of Altagracia located?
The Basilica-Cathedral of Our Lady of Altagracia is located in Salvaleón de Higüey, Dominican Republic.
What is the significance of Our Lady of Altagracia?
Our Lady of Altagracia is the patroness of the Dominican Republic. The basilica is dedicated to her and houses a painting believed to be miraculous, drawing many pilgrims.
When was the basilica designated as a minor basilica?
The cathedral was raised to the honor of a minor basilica by Pope Paul VI on December 17, 1970.
What is the history behind the basilica's location?
Legend states the basilica was built on the spot where a portrait of the Virgin Mary, gifted to a young girl, was always found outside her home each dawn. This place became sacred, and the basilica was constructed on this site.
How many people visit the basilica each year?
More than 800,000 people visit the Basilica annually to see the image of Our Lady of Altagracia.
When is the Feast of Our Lady of Altagracia celebrated?
The Feast of Our Lady of Altagracia is celebrated as a national holiday on January 21. The date can shift slightly to a Friday or Monday depending on the day of the week.
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