On 2 August 1635, a mestiza girl named Juana Pereira discovered a small dark image of Mary with the Child near Cartago, Costa Rica. The image miraculously returned to its original location when moved, prompting the construction of a shrine. Our Lady of the Angels became the patroness of Costa Rica, drawing pilgrims annually to the Basilica, where spring water has long been associated with healings and devotion to Mary's protection.
On 2 August 1635, a mestiza girl named Juana Pereira found a small, dark wooden image of Mary holding the Christ Child on a stone near Cartago, in what is now Costa Rica. The image was simple and humble in appearance, carved from dark wood and showing signs of age.
When Juana brought the image to her home, it mysteriously returned to the place where she had found it. This occurred repeatedly, convincing the local people that Mary wished a shrine to be built at that exact location. The phenomenon drew attention from Church authorities and the faithful alike.
A shrine was constructed at the site of the discovery, eventually developing into the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, one of Central America's most important pilgrimage destinations. A natural spring near the basilica became associated with healings and spiritual graces sought by the faithful.
Our Lady of the Angels was declared the patroness of Costa Rica, a title she holds to this day. The feast day on 2 August commemorates the discovery and draws thousands of pilgrims who walk to Cartago in devotion and prayer.
The principal messages associated with the devotion emphasize Mary's humility, her protection of the nation, and the spiritual benefits of pilgrimage and prayer. Devotion centers on Mary as a mother who cares for her people and intercedes for their needs.
The apparition and shrine have received diocesan approval and recognition from the Catholic Church in Costa Rica. The devotion remains vibrant among Costa Rican Catholics and pilgrims from throughout Central America.
Narrative source SanctumNomen (public historical digest) · Catalog source Marian Apparitions – Historical Atlas · CC BY-NC 4.0 · Further reading Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles · Private revelation is not required belief. Approval means the faithful may believe with prudence. · Images from Wikimedia Commons (public domain or Creative Commons).
