The Miraculous Apparition of the Virgin of Juquila in Oaxaca

The Miraculous Apparition of the Virgin of Juquila in Oaxaca

The state of Oaxaca in southern Mexico is known as the "land of miracles" for its many apparitions of the Virgin Mary. One of the most famous is the apparition of Our Lady of Juquila in the small town of Juquila on the slopes of the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains. The Virgin of Juquila has become a beloved religious icon in Oaxaca and all of Mexico, drawing thousands of pilgrims every year to her mountain sanctuary.

The Apparition Story

The Virgin of Juquila appeared in the late 16th century to a humble native man named Juan Diego Bernardino. According to the legend, Juan Diego was walking in the mountains near his village one day when he heard beautiful singing coming from a cave. Inside the cave, he found a small statue of the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus. The statue asked Juan Diego to carry her to the village church.

At first the villagers did not believe Juan Diego's story. But then miracles started happening that made them change their minds. An epidemic that was spreading through the village suddenly ended after Juan Diego brought the statue to the church. From then on, people began praying to the Virgin of Juquila for healing and protection.

The Sanctuary

In 1744, the Bishop of Oaxaca ordered the construction of a sanctuary for the Virgin of Juquila in the mountains near where she appeared. The sanctuary consists of a series of chapels and shrines leading up to the cave where she was originally found. The cave chapel contains the small 16th century statue as well as a larger copy dressed in ornate robes.

The main church at the sanctuary is built in the ornate Baroque style with a golden altar and decorations. The walls are filled with ex-voto paintings from pilgrims giving thanks for miracles received from the Virgin. Behind the church is a courtyard surrounded by chapels representing the 14 Stations of the Cross with vivid sculptures and murals.

Pilgrimages to Juquila

Every year, around December 8th, up to 300,000 pilgrims come to the Sanctuary of Juquila for the Virgin's feast day. Many of them walk for days from villages across Oaxaca and neighboring states. They bring flowers, candles, and songs to offer at the Virgin's shrine. The more devout pilgrims walk the final stretch to the cave on their knees.

During the festival, indigenous Zapotec dancers perform rituals in the churchyard. The dances depict stories from the Bible and local legends. Stalls around the sanctuary sell candles, rosaries, images of the Virgin, and street food to the pilgrims.

While December is the busiest time, pilgrims visit Juquila year-round asking for blessings from the Virgin. Some make the journey multiple times to show gratitude for prayers answered. The sanctuary is open 24 hours a day for their devotion.

Miracles Attributed to the Virgin

Over the centuries, many miracles have been credited to the Virgin of Juquila. When epidemics hit Oaxaca, people prayed to her for relief. During the Mexican Revolution in the early 1900s, villages reported her statue safeguarding them from raids and violence. She continues to be invoked for cures for illnesses, especially cancer.

In the 1940s, a famous bullfighter gored in the ring prayed to the Virgin to spare his life. Although doctors said he would not survive his wounds, he miraculously recovered and returned to bullfighting. Ever since, the Virgin of Juquila has been revered by bullfighters asking for her protection.

Even people who are not religious make the pilgrimage to Juquila out of Mexican cultural tradition. They come seeking hope and comfort at the mountain sanctuary, just as the native people have done for over 400 years.

The Enduring Devotion to the Virgin of Juquila

The Virgin of Juquila remains one of Mexico's most beloved religious icons. Her remote mountain sanctuary continues to draw huge crowds of pilgrims every year seeking miracles and aid. For the faithful, her miraculous apparition and the many miracles attributed to her are further confirmation of God's love watching over them.

FAQs

When did the Virgin of Juquila first appear?

The Virgin of Juquila first appeared in the late 16th century to a native man named Juan Diego Bernardino in a cave in the mountains near Juquila, Oaxaca.

Why do pilgrims visit the Sanctuary of Juquila?

Pilgrims visit the sanctuary to pray before the statue of the Virgin and ask for her blessings and miracles. Many make the difficult journey out of devotion or to give thanks for prayers answered.

When is the busiest time for pilgrimages?

The annual feast day on December 8 draws up to 300,000 pilgrims. But pilgrims visit year-round, with many coming on weekends and holidays.

What miracles is the Virgin of Juquila known for?

She is invoked for physical healings, especially from epidemics and illnesses like cancer. She is also credited with spiritual miracles like saving villages from violence and protecting bullfighters.

Do non-religious people visit the Virgin of Juquila?

Yes, even non-religious Mexicans make the pilgrimage out of cultural tradition and to seek hope and comfort at her mountain sanctuary.