Before I begin to develop this post, I must say that Marian worship is that practiced by the faithful devotees of the Christian church to the mother of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary. Although this worship is below that which is done to God and Jesus, it is above that which can be done to other saints. To venerate the mother of God is a custom not only of Venezuelans, but of the whole world. Hence, we can say that each country has its own patron saint or virgin to venerate. For example, Mexico has Our Lady of Guadalupe; Portugal has Our Lady of Fatima; Our Lady of Lourdes, in France; Our Lady of Schöenstatt in Germany; Our Lady of Czestochowa in Poland; in Spain, Our Lady of Pilar; among many others.

Coromoto

The official patron saint or virgin of Venezuela is Our Lady of Coromoto. This Virgin appeared to the Coromoto Indians at the time of the conquest of America and asked them to go with the Spanish whites to be baptized. According to legend, Chief Coromoto, accustomed to living free and without rules, returned to the forest, where the virgin was presented again. In that opportunity, the chief Coromoto looked for his weapons to confront that woman who incited them to return with the Spaniards, but when trying to attack her, the virgin disappeared leaving him a stamp in the hand of the Indian.

Although the Virgin of Coromoto is the official patron saint, I can say that in Venezuela there are other virgins with more faithful and followers, who celebrate with joy and approval the festivities of each one of them. I would like to review the most important ones:

Santa Inés

I would like to begin with the patron saint of the city in which I live: The Virgin of Santa Inés. We celebrate it every January 21st with processions and masses. This virgin is considered the patron saint of purity, since the legend tells that she suffered martyrdom since she was 13 years old for being beautiful and from a good family; however, she remained pristine because she had consecrated her virginity to her heavenly father. On more than one occasion it has been said that this virgin has cried, even once lost her head, giving rise to conjectures and superstitions.

Divina Pastora

Another important virgin for Venezuelans is the Virgin of the Divina Pastora, patron saint of the state of Lara. The way in which this virgin arrives and consolidates in this state is very interesting and significant. It is said that in the 19th century there was a parish priest who commissioned the sculpture of the Immaculate Conception, but by mistake, he was sent the sculpture of the Divine Shepherdess. When they saw this, they tried to return it, but the sculpture became so heavy that they could not move it. They also say that by that same century, an epidemic of cholera broke out in that state and that the people asked the virgin to remove the plague and she performed a miracle. So, year after year, the people go out in a fervent procession to venerate their virgin. This procession is considered one of the most important in the continent.

Chiquinquirá

I continue with the Virgin of Chiquinquirá, or better known as "La Chinita". This virgin is the patron saint of the Zulians and also very much loved by many other Venezuelan states. The parishioners say that La Chinita appeared for the first time to a woman who was washing in the lake of Maracaibo. It is said that while the washerwoman was doing her job, a small board of fine wood appeared to her and took home. The next day, while she was brewing coffee, she heard a noise at the door and when she went to see what it was, she found the image of the virgin on the tablet. From that day on, all Zulians ask their virgin for miracles and sing bagpipes to her and even have a happy birthday every November of every year.

Del Valle

To culminate this tour, I will introduce you to the Virgin with the most faithful and believers of Venezuela: the Blessed Virgin of the Valley. She is not only the patron saint of the Orientals, but also of the whole country. I must admit that although I have visited the basilicas of other virgins in Venezuela, to arrive at the house of "Vallita" is overwhelming. In his temple we can find a museum where all the samples of faith of millions of devotees, proofs of miracles and gratitude. Some years ago I had the opportunity to bring her a relic as a token of my faith and gratitude for a miracle granted, and from the very moment I stepped on the door of the church and saw her face on the altar, I felt the look of the understanding mother with the loving embrace.

Beyond our religious beliefs, which must be respected, there is a fervor towards the Virgin Mary, just as a mother is venerated. It is known that human beings are more likely to believe in some religions and some gods, in times of crisis and adversity. The human being needs to believe because for people, it is "psychologically" very good to know that there is a superior being who will protect you and give you strength when you need it or better yet, that Virgin, as a protective mother, will take you in her arms and take care of you as a child. Perhaps that is the feeling in our hearts at this time of calamity in Venezuela.

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I hope you enjoyed reading this post. I remind you that you can vote for @adsactly as a witness and join our server in discord. Until the next smile. ;)

BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCE

http://www.temporadista.com/scripts/articulos/santa-ines-martir-y-patrona-de-cumana.asp
https://venezuelatuya.com/religion/divinapastora.htm
https://www.venezuelatuya.com/religion/chinita.htm
https://www.ivenezuela.travel/fiesta-de-la-virgen-del-valle-del-espiritu-santo/

Written by: @nancybriti

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