The Nest: Mariology: The Image Devotions of Mary

So now I want to focus strictly on image-based Marian devotions. These are either statues or paintings that have been venerated as sacred items worthy of adoration. All of these images have their own devotional title and are displayed in a great shrine (usually a basilica, sanctuary, monastery, or even museum). They are almost like relics in their own right, dating back to the middle ages and beyond. I will not be including any apparition devotional images until my next post. Also I want to be clear this isn't a study on Marian artwork. Many great sculptures, paintings, and frescoes will not be included on this list since they are not considered devotional icons. Perhaps in another post I can focus on the greatest Marian artwork in general which would include many great Renaissance work such as Michaelangelo's Pieta or Duccio's Maesta.

As I dove into this study I realized there is a certain pattern to most of these images. These aren't so much biblical narrative scenes rather profile photos of Mary with the baby Jesus. They are also statues carved out of wood that have been adorned with ornamental robes and crowns. I found most of the images fall into a specific category type which I will lay out first. They are either presented as Madonna and Child or Madonna without child. Most the images where Mary is without child pertain to her Immaculate Conception, Annunciation, or Assumption. The majority of these icons she is with her Christ Child, which is also broken up into iconographic types (such as the Eleusa, Hodegetria, and the Black Madonna).

There are hundreds of these image-based Marian devotions, so I'm only going to include the most famous ones. These images have achieved devotional following either thru their aesthetic quality or more-so due to their associated miracles. Most of these images have been officially venerated by the pope, thru the ceremonial act of a canonical coronation. This usually means the image or statue is decorated with a crown or tiara. I'm also going to include some of the most famous devotional icons of the Eastern Orthodox Church (which falls under the Catholic umbrella). Also worth mentioning that some of these icons are believed to have been painted by Luke the Evangelist, according to legend.

Types of Image

Eleusa (Our Lady of Tenderness)

Iconography: Mary is check-to-cheek with the child Christ often depicted as Our Lady of Tenderness
Type: Byzantine style
Famous Icons:

Our Lady of Vladimir
Feodorosvkaya Icon of the Mother of God
Theotokos of Tolga
Our Lady of the Don
Cambri Madonna

Famous Artwork:

The Virgin Eleousa (1425)=> see image
Tempi Madonna- Raphael (1508)
Virgin Glykophilousa (1723)
Madonna and Child (1742)
Madonna col Bambino- Titian (1508)
Panagia Samis- Karadinos (1736)
Virgin and Child- Tzangarola (1700)
Madonna della seggiola- Raphael (1513)

Hodegetria (Our Lady of the Way)

Iconography: Mary holds Christ in one arm, while she points at him as if presenting the son of God. The title means she who knows the way.
Type: Byzantine style
Devotional Icons:

Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Saulus Populi Romani
Theotokos of Smolensk
Theotokos of Tikvin
Our Lady of Arcachon (France)
Our Lady of Virga Jesse (Belgium)

Famous Artwork:

Berlinghiero of Lucca (1230)=> see image
Duccio (1284)
Chistodoulus Kalergis (18th century)
Theotokos of Perivlepts (1350)
Madonna and Child- Dietisalvi di Sperne (1260)
Entrhoned Madonna- Guido of Siena (1270)

Maria Advocata

Iconography: Also referred to as the Agiosoritissa, it depicts Mary without the Christ Child with both hands raised. It's essentially a portrait of the Virgin Mary with a close up of her face tilting somewhat to the left. This is one of the oldest and most iconic Mary profile images without the Christ Child.
Type: Byzantine
Devotional Icons:

Madonna del Rosario (6th century)
Georgian Agiosoritissa (1100)
The Madonna Aracoeli (11th century)
Freising Agiasoritissa (12th century)
S. Maria in Via Lata (12th century)

Black Madonna

Iconography: Mary and the Christ Child are depicted with darker skin. Often a golden background with halos or crowns.
Style: Romanesque, Byzantine
Famous Icons:

Black Madonna of Czestochowa
Our Lady of Montserrat
Our Lady of Loreto
Our Lady of Rocamadour (France)
Our Lady of Piat
Our Lady of Alotting (Germany)
Our Lady of Einseiden
Our Lady of Guidance
Our Lady of Africa

Mater Dolorosa

Iconography: Mary is depicted grieving over the death of Jesus. Sometimes alone or looking upon Christ's dead body on the cross. This type of image reflects the devotional title of Our Lady of Sorrow or Our Lady of Solitude.
Style: Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque
Famous Icons:

Nuestra Senora de los Dolores (Salamanca)
Nuestra Senora de la Soledad de Porta Vaga
Our Lady of Turumba=> see image

Famous Artwork:

Seven Sorrows Polptch- Albrecht Durer (1500)
Titian (1550s)
El Greco (1580)
Caravaggio (1600s)
Guido Reni (1600s)
Bartolome Esteban Murillo (1660s)
Carlo Dolci (1600s)

Platytera

Iconography: Mary has her hands raised and outstretched in the "orans" position, while Christ appears within her womb; depicting her as the Creator of the Universe. This image puts an emphasis on the Divine Incarnation. This is also referred to as Our Lady of the Sign or the Panagia.
Style: Byzantine, Theotokos
Famous Icons:

Blanchernitissa of Constantinople
Theotokos of the Sign (Novgorod)
Our Lady of the Sign (Yaroslavl)=> see image
Orans of Kyiv- depicted without the Christ Child however hands raised in the Orans Virgin position

Famous Artwork

Hagia Sophia apse mosaic (Sicily)
Monreal Cathedral apse (Sicily)
Daphni Monastery (Greece)
Basilia of Saint Vitale (Ravenna, Italy)

Madonna of Humility

Iconography: Mary is seated on the ground or a cushion with the child Christ. Sometime she is in a garden, or sometimes she is nursing him. This position demonstrates humility and sincere motherhood as opposed to the enthroned heavenly queen.
Style: Medieval Western Europe, Gothic, Renaissance
Famous Artwork:

Lorenzo Moanco (1410)
Fra Angelico (1430s)
Domenico di Bartolo (1433)
Robert Campin (1400s)=> see image
Gentile da Fabiano (1423)
Giovani di Paolo (1456)
Sassetta (1445)

Throne of Wisdom

Iconography: Mary depicted with Christ child, sitting on a throne. Depicts her as the Theotokos and the Seat of Wisdom. It's similar to the Byzantine Nikopoia icons (Bringer of Victory)
Style: Romanesque, Byzantine
Famous Icons:

The Virgin Theotokos and Child between Saint Theodore and Saint George (Sinai, Egypt)
Our Lady of Leuven (Belgium)
Our Lady of Sansepolcro (Italy) => see image

Famous Artwork:

Morgan Madonna
Golden Madonna of Essen
Lucca Madonna- Jan van Eyck (1436)

Maesta

Iconography: Mary seated with Christ Child on a throne, surrounded by saints and angels. Often seen as an extension of the Seat of Wisdom as the Theotokos, the main difference being the company of holy worshipers
Style: Renaissance, Gothic
Famous Artwork:

The Louve Maesta (1280)=> see image
Rucellai Madonna (185)
Ognissanti Madonna (1310)
Maesta- Duccio (1308)
Santa Trinita Maesta (1280)

Pieta

Iconography: Mary carrying the dead body of her son, Christ after he has died from the crucifixion. Could be seen as an extension of the Mater Dolorosa however the key distinction is Christ is laying on her lap.
Style: Renaissance, Neoplatonism
Famous Icons

Our Lady of Sorrows of Sastin (Slovakia)
Pieta of Vsemerice (Czechia)

Famous Artwork:

Pieta- Michaelangelo (1498)
Avignon Pieta (1460)
Rondanini Pieta- Michaelangelo (1552)
Pieta- Annibale Carracci (1599)=> see image

Madonna of Mercy

Iconography: Mary extends her cloak over her followers as a symbol of shelter or protection. This could fall in line with the devotions of Mary as Lady of the Navigators or Helper of the Christians.
Style: Medieval, Renascence
Famous Artwork:

Duccio (1280)
Polyptch of the Misericordia- Piero della Francesca (1460)
Sano di Pietro (15th century)
Madonna of Mercy- Bartolome Bermejo (1468)
Madonna of Mercy- Orvieto Catehdral (1300s)=> see image
Madonna della Misericordia- Domenico Ghirlandaio (1472)
Virgin of the Navigators- Alejo Fernandez (1530)

Madonna Lactans

Iconography: Also referred to as the Milk-Giver, or the Nursing Madonna this image emphasizes Mary's functional role as a mother. This image of Mary breastfeeding her child Jesus, demonstrates the humanity in both of them. Albeit some might find it lewd to see the Virgin Mary with an exposed breast.
Style: Byzantine, Medieval, Renaissance
Famous Icons:

Our Lady of Bethlehem
Galaktotrophousa (Virgin Nursing)
Coptic Madonna Lactans
Our Lady of La Leche (St. Augustine, Florida)

Famous artwork:

Madonna Litta (Leonardo da Vinci)- 1490
Nursing Madonna (Ambrogio Lorenzetti)- 1325
Virgin Lactans (Rogier van der Weyden) - 15th century
Madonna Lactans (Bernard van Orley)- 1525
Virgin and Child (Jean Fouquet) - 1452
Nursing Madonna (Baranaba da Modena)- 1360
Rest on the Flight into Egypt (Orazio Gentileschi)- 1620
Rest on the Flight into Egypt (Gerard David)- 1510=> see image
Lucca Madonna (Jan van Eyck)- 1437
Madonna Lactans (Hans Baldung)- 16 th century
Nursing Madonna (Giuliano Bugiardini)- 1518
Rest of the Flight into Egypt (Orazio Gentileschi)- 1628
Rest of the Flight into Egypt (Gerard David)- 1512

Life Giving Spring

Iconography: This is a type of image mostly used in the Eastern Orthodox Byzantine tradition. It normally has Mary in a fountain of water with the Christ Child. Above her are the angels and saints, while below her are the sick and suffering. It is a metaphor showing Mary and Christ as the flowing water that heals humanity. This theme of Mary's ties to a sacred spring is common in many other apparition and image-based devotions.
Type: Byzantine, Eastern Orthodox
Famous Icons:

Zoodochos Pege Icon-Church of St. Mary of the Spring (Istanbul)=> see image
Kremlin collections- Russia
Mount Athos Icons- Greece
Balkans

Our Lady of Grace

Iconography: Fairly modern image that shows Mary standing on her own with arms extending downward. She is wearing blue and white robes with the veil. She is either depicted with a halo, crown, or clouds in the backdrop. Rays of light are extending from her hands signifying her intercession of Grace from Christ. This is associated to the Mediatrax of All Graces with elements of the Immaculate Conception.
Style: Baroque, Modern
Famous Icons:

Our Lady of Graces (Faenza, Italy)
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal (Paris, France)
Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mexico)
Our Lady of Lipa (Philippines)
Virgin of the Apocalypse

Famous artwork:

The Woman of the Apoccalypse- Albrecht Durer (1498)
Regina Angelorum- William Adolphe Bouguereau (1900)

Immaculate Conception

Iconography: This is one of the most popular image types of the mother Mary displayed either in paintings, sculptures, or icon-based devotions. In this image type Mary is normally standing on her own without the Christ Child. She is wearing blue and white garments with her hands in prayer. She is often surrounded by clouds, rays of light, the angels, and the holy spirit. She is also standing on a serpent which represents evil which she has defeated.
Style: Baroque, Late-Renaissance
Famous Icons:

Our Lady of Lourdes (France) => see image
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal (France)

Famous Artwork:

Bartolome Esteban Murillo (1678)
Diego Velazquez (1618)
Giovanni Battista Tieplo (1767)
Peter Paul Rubens (1628)
Rancsico Pacheco (1610)

Woman of the Apocalypse

Iconography: This popular image-type displays Mary as the mysterious woman with child mentioned in John's book of Revelation. According to the passage the woman is depicted as being clothed with the sun, the moon under her feet, and wearing a crown of twelve stars. These details are often included in many of the image-based Marian devotions.
Style: Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Eastern Orthodox
Famous Icons:

Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mexico)
Our Lady of Aparecida (Brazil)
Our Lady of Chiquinquira (Venezuela)
Our Lady of the Thirty Three (Uruguay)

Famous Artwork:

The Woman Clothed with the Sun- Albrecht Durer (1498)
Peter Paul Rubens (1623)
El Greco (1590s)
Ferenc Szoldatits (19th century)=> see image

Most Famous Image-Based Devotions

Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Shrine Location: Church of St. Alphonsus Liguori (Rome, Italy)
Feast Day: June 27
Development History:

13th century- Byzantine-style icon created
1400s- Icon brought to Rome
16th-17th century- Placed in church of St. Matthew where devotion grew
1866- Pope Pius IX entrusts icon to Redemptorists

Church Dedications:

National Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Boston, USA)

Artwork Depictions:

Theotokos Amolyntos- Andreas Rizo de Candia
Panagia Kardiotissa- Lazarus Zographos (Keras Kardiotissa Monastery)

Iconography: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Icon. Byzantine-style. Calm expression. Clutching infant Jesus. Sandal falling from Christ's foot. Golden background. Angels in the background.
Summary: This is one of the most famous images of Mary that has an image-based devotion around it. The original Byzantine-style image is housed in the Church of St. Alphonsos Liguori in Rome. This title appeals to her constant source of aid, compassion, and intercession. The original artist of the icon is unknown but many replicas have been created since it was first displayed in the 1200s. It image is sometimes tied to the Theotokos or Madonna and Child devotion followings. The Redemptorist Order founded by Alphonsus Liguori are the current guardians of this image that is approaching relic status.

Saulus Populi Romani

Shrine Location: Basilica of St. Mary Major (Rome, Italy)
Feast Day: Aug 5 th (Icon is honored as part of the Dedication to the Basilica of St. Mary Major)
Development History:

5th- 7th century- Origins of the icon
590- Pope Gregory carries icon thru Rome as a form of protection against the crisis
1838- Canonical Coronation

Iconography: Mary holding Christ Child in a solemn regal form
Patronages: City of Rome, protection against plagues, disasters, crises
Summary: This is one of the oldest Marian devotional-images dedicated to Mary. It proclaims her the as savior of the Roman people. This image most-likely became popularized during the construction of the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major (after she received the official title of Theotokos). It is painted in the Byzantine style. The original artist is unknown however it is often considered one of the legendary St. Luke images which brought to Rome by Saint Helena.

Black Madonna of Czestochowa

Shrine location: Jasna Gora Monastery (Czestochowa, Poland)
Type: Panel icon, painting (Byzantine style)
Feast Day: Aug 26
Origin Story: According to legend this icon was painted by St. Luke the Evangelist
Development History:12 th century- Likely origin of the Byzantine paining

1382-1384- Brought to the Jasna Gora Monastery in Czestochowa, Poland
1430- Icon was damaged by raiders where her face took on two sword slashes. Restored however the scars were kept for identity
1655- Miraculous events helped defend Jansa Gora during Swedish siege
1717- Icon receives official canonical coronation

Church Dedications:

National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa (Doylestown, PA, USA)
Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy (Penrose Park, New South Wales)

Iconography: Hodegetria, Black Madonna, Christ child, two deep scars on right cheek
Famous replicas/shrines:

Many shrines in Ukraine, Belarus, Poland, Lithuania
Radomysl Castle (Zhytomyr Oblast, Ukraine)
Doylestown, PA
Penrose Park, Wales

Patronage: Protector and Queen of Poland especially in times of war and crisis, family, homes, unity
Summary: This is among the most famous images of Mary, depicted in the Hodegetria and Black Madonna form. Legend has it it was painted by St. Luke (who has a collection of famous icons attributed to him). Its in the Byzantine fashion, but became one of the greatest Catholic treasures of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The image is known to have performed many miracles thru intercessive prayer and devotion. It is the first holy image outside of Rome to be officially honored by the Catholic Church.

Madonna del Rosario

Shrine Location: Church of Our Lady of the Rosary (Rome, Italy)
Type: Maria Advocata, profile icon, Byzantine
Feast Day: Oct 7- Our Lady of the Rosary
Origin Story: One of the oldest Marian icons in Rome
Development:

6th century- Painting of the icon in Constantinople. Later arrives in Rome
9th-13th century- Icon is housed in Monastic shrines and gains pilgrimage devotion
1641- The image receives its canonical coronation
1931- Icon is moved to the current shrine of the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary

Iconography: Image of Mary close-up on her own without Christ Child. Direct peaceful gaze
Famous replicas/Shrines:
Patronage: The Rosary, Dominican Order, Mary's advocacy role
Summary: One of the oldest and most famous icon devotions dedicated to Mary the Advocate of Christ. It is an eastern Byzantine portrayal of Mary up-close in prayer without the Christ Child. This image later became associated with the Dominican Rosary tradition, as the primary intercessor of Christ. The eyes and cheeks are very expressive and illuminate the grace within Mary. The church is also renown for housing other famous relics and art such as the hand of St. Catherine of Siena.

Madonna of San Luca

Shrine Location: Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Saint Luke (Bologna, Italy)
Type: Byzantine style icon, Black Madonna, Hodegetria
Origin Story: The icon is brought from Constantinople during the 12th century by a hermit who develops a sanctuary that becomes a Marian devotion
Development:

12th century- Icon arrives from Constantinople and is placed within a hermitage in the forst hills of Colle della Guardia
1200-1300s- Small shrine develops on top of hill with pilgrimage devotion to the image
1433- The image becomes a local treasure and is processed annual during it's feast day
1600s- The famous Portico di San Luca is built as a tunneled walkway to reach the shrine thru the woods
1723-1757- The shrine of the image is expanded and is promoted to basilica

Iconography: Mary holding the Christ Child and presenting him
Famous replicas/Shrines:
Patronage: Bologna, Protector of storms, rain, and good harvest
Summary: This is a very old Byzantine image that is still in it's original form from the 1100s. It portrays Mary in the Hodegetria fashion where she presents Christ as the salvation of mankind. Her skin is slightly darkened more then usual which puts it in the Black Madonna category. The shrine itself is equally impressive deep in a forest on a hill top with a tunneled-walkway known as the Portico di San Luca, which connects the city to the shrine like a portal.

Our Lady of Arabia

Shrine Location: Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Arabia (Al Ahadi, Kuwait)
Type: Statuary image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Origin Story: Chapel and statue established in Kuwait by Carmelite missionaries
Development:

1948- Carmelite missionaries establish the chapel and image in Kuwait
1957- Pope Pius XII approves the Marian title and promotes her as patroness of all Arabia
2025- Cathedral is promoted to basilica

Iconography: Statue in the Carmelite tradition depicting Mary as Queen holding Christ mounted on a rock, surrounded by angels
Famous replicas/Shrines:

Our Lady of Arabia (Bahrain Cathedral)

Patronage: Arabian Catholics
Summary: It is one of the most popular Marian devotions in Arabia with centralized shrine locations in Kuwait and Bahrain. The Kuwait shrine is considered the origins of the devotion established by the Carmelite order, while the Bahrain is the more modern shrine of the same devotion. Even though this devotion was established by the Carmelite Order with heavy influence of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, it is to be seen as it's own devotion celebrating Arabian tradition. This Marian tradition is especially important for Catholics in the Middle East who are considered the minority to the Muslim faith.

Our Lady of Zapopan

Shrine Location: Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan (Guadalajara, Mexico)
Type: Queen of Heaven statue
Iconography: Queen, crown, praying hands, royal robes, golden halo, scepter
Feast Day: Oct 12 (Romeria de Zapopan)
Origin Story: Statue brought by Franciscan missionaries from Spain to Mexico
Development Story:

1530s- Statue brought to western Mexico
1600s-1700s- Increase in pilgrimage and healing, epidemic, and weather miracles
20th century- Becomes one of hte strongest Marian devotions in Mexico
2018- the Romeria of Zapopan entitled with UNESCO cultural heritage

Famous replicas/shrines:
Patronage: Guadalajara, storms, lightning, Jalisco, epidemics
Summary: This is the oldest and 2nd most popular Marian devotion after the Virgin de Guadalupe. Many healing miracles were attributed to the statue, but later the devotion increased during terrible epidemics and natura disasters. The image is displayed as the Regina Coeli, Queen of Heaven without the Christ Child. She is also referred to as Our Lady of Expectation, La Generala, or La Zapopanita. The annual pilgrimage of the Romeria of Zapopan occurs on Oct 12th and brings approximately 2-3 million pilgrims a year.

Cambrai Madonna

Shrine Location: Cambrai Cathedral (France)
Type: Byzantine, Sienese style; Eleusa (Virgin of Tenderness)
Iconography: Mary is presented cheek-to-cheek with the Christ Child is an image of motherly affection; black robes contrast nicely with golden background
Feast Day: July 2nd (Local Feast day in Cambria)
Origin Story: Brought to Cambrai from Constantinople and became associated with protection and healing
Development Story:

11th century- Icon arrives in Cambrai and placed in shrine
13th-15th century- Icon gains reputation for miracles. Devotions and pilgrimage following increases
1790s- Hidden during French Revolution
1890- Image receives canonical crown by the pope

Famous replicas/shrines:

Enthroned Madonna and Child- Filippo Lippi (1447)
Virgin and Child- Rogier van der Weyden (1454)
Hans Memling (1430)
Virgin and Child with Four Angels- Gerard David (1510)

Patronage: Healing miracles, Cambrai
Summary: This devotional icon is one of my favorite Marian images. It is displayed in a striking Byzantine Eleusa style. Her eyes are so expressive and tender as she warmly embraces her child, not just as a mother of God, but as a genuine loving mother. I especially love the way her black and orange robes contrast with the golden background. It's a very powerful aesthetic painting that went on to inspire many other famous paintings. Thankfully it survived the French Revolution and it's original version still exists today on display at the Cambrai Cathedral.

Our Lady of Siluva

Shrine Location: Basilica of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Siluva, Lithuania)
Type: Painted panel icon (Byzantine style)
Iconography: Mary holding the Christ child, radiant gold background, golden robes, both are wearing crowns
Feast Day: Sept 8
Origin Story: Image brought from Rome to Lithuiana. Became all the more famous after an apparition event
Development History:

1457- Image brought from Rome to Lithuania
1530s-1560s- Many Catholic churches are pillaged and destroyed during Protestant Reformation
1608- The Virgin Mary appears as an apparition to shepherd children and other locas showing them where the icon had been hidden
1775- Catholic church official authenticated the apparition (one of the first in Europe)
1786- The image receives the canonical coronation

Famous replicas/shrines:

Chapel at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (Washington, DC)

Patronage: Lithuania, Restoration of faith, national identity
Summary: This is a unique case where this was first an image-based devotion then later had an apparition event tied to it. It's no question the miraculous apparition of Mary played a major role in making this such a famous devotion. Since it was originally an image-devotion, I'm keeping it in this category. It is considered the first Marian apparition in Europe and is tied to the Catholic Revival admist the Protestant Reformation. It is the most important Marian devotion in Lithuania.

Our Lady of Trakai

Shrine Location: Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Trakai, Lithuania)
Type: Painted panel icon (Byzantine style)
Iconography: Mary seated holding Christ Child on her lap, she is holding a branch with three flowers, red crown, golden robes, golden background
Feast Day: Sept 8
Origin Story: It was a gift to the Grand Duke of Lithuania upon his baptism and became the Catholic centerpiece in Trakai
Development History:

15th century- Originally painted in Byzantine Empire. Emperor Manual II Palaiologos presents Grand Duke Vytautas of Lithuania with the image after he is baptized to Catholic faith.
17th century- Devotion intensified during times of war
1718- Image is canonically crowned by Pope Clement XI

Patronage: Protectress of Lithuania, Health of the sick
Summary: This image became the focal point during Lithuanian's conversion to Catholicism in the late middle ages. This one is venerated in both western and the Eastern orthodox church since it sits right on the borderline. It is seen as another symbol of Lithuania's catholic and cultural identity (behind Our Lady of Siluva).

Our Lady of Almudena

Shrine Location: Almudena Cathedral (Madrid, Spain)
Type: Wooden statue (Medieval Visigothic tradition)
Iconography: Mother Mary standing holding Christ, wearing a crown, with royal vestments
Feast Day: Nov 9
Origin Story: Legends that it was brought by St. James the Apostle, or carved by St. Nicodemus, and painted by St. Luke
Development History:

712-714- Christians hid the statue in a wall during Muslim invasion
1085- When King Alfonso VI, recaptured Madrid, the statue was suddenly revealed behind a collapsed wall (with two candles still burning next to it)
1948- Canonical coronation of the image
1993- Cathedral constructed to house the image.

Patronage: Patronness of Madrid
Summary: This is the primary Marian devotion of Madrid, and considered one of the most famous in Spain. It's origin history is loaded with legendary stories tied to great saints such as St. James, St. Nicodemus, and St. Luke. Even more surprising is how it was hidden during the Muslim conquest of Spain and later discovered. It is believed to have revealed itself during a prayer procession where part of the wall collapsed, as if the statue itself was breaking free to return to Catholic hands. It is enshrined in glorious fashion in the modern Almudena Cathedral.

Our Lady of Atocha

Shrine Location: Madrid, Spain
Type: Wooden Statue, Throne of Wisdom
Origin Story: During the Muslim rule of Al-Andalus, a young boy would visit Spanish prisoners and bring them food and water (considered to be the Christ Child)
Development History:

7th century- Sculpture is created dedicated to the Virgin of Atocha. This refers to the high grass fields of rural Spain under Muslim occupancy.
8th- 13th century- Many miracles occur accredited to prayers to this Virgin of Atocha
1500s- Dominican order establishes shrine to house this statue
1946-1951- Current Basilica of Our Lady of Atocha built

Sacred Object: Statue of Our Lady of Atocha
Sacred Shrine: Basilica of Our Lady of Atocha (Madrid)
Iconography: Mary seated holding baby Christ
Summary: This is an image-based devotion of a statue from the middle ages that became revered for it's miracles. This included healing miracles but also military victories over the Muslims. After the reconquista it became an important pilgrimage site and was later transformed into a basilica in 1946. The statue is considered one of the oldest Marian sculptures in Spain. It is considered the patron of the Spanish royal family.

Our Lady of Penafrancia

Location: Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Penafrancia (Philippines)
Type: Wood state of the enthroned queen
Iconography: Virgin Mary is depicted holding the Christ child with golden crown and ornamental robes.
Origin Story: Dominican friar discovered the image in a cave after a divine revelation.
Development History:

15th century- Image is discovered in a mountainous cave known as Pene de Francia (Rock of France) in Salamanca Spain.
1710-1711- Devotion spreads to the Philippines when a doctor in Naga recovered thru prayers to the Virgin
1712- Replica statue built in Naga, Philippines with a shrine to house it
1800s- The Shrine is elevated to a minor basilica and becomes a popular pilgrimage destination
1924- Both Spanish and Philippine Image of Our Lady of Penafrancia is canonically crowned

Sacred Object: Wooden statue of Virgin Mary holding Christ
Sacred Shrine: Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Penafrancia (Naga City, Philippines)
Summary: The image devotion began in Salamanca Spain where it was discovered at the Rock of France, referred to as Penafrancia. The devotional image of Our Lady of Penafrancia later made it's way into Philippines where a priest was healed thru her intercession. Once the replica and shrine was built the devotion to Our Lady of Penafrancia quickly became more popular in the Philippines then it's original location in Spain. The Penafrancia Festival was later established to become one of the largest religious festivals in the Philippines, bringing in roughly 1 to 2 million pilgrims a years.

Our Lady of La Naval de Manila

Shrine Location: Manila, Philippines
Origin Story: The devotional statue become associated with several important Spanish-Filipine victories over the Dutch.
Development History:

1620- Devotion began thru Spanish missionaries
1646- Image was designed by a Chinese artisan
1646- Five naval victories attributed to prayers to the Virgin statue
1907- Image received a canonical coronation
1868- Fifth and current church built to house the statue

Sacred Object: Wooden statue of Our Lady of Naval de Manila
Sacred Shrine: Santo Domingo Church
Iconography: Ornamental statue of Mary as Queen, Rosary, Christ Child
Summary: This devotion is dedicated to a wooden statue of Mary as Queen. It took off during the 1600s after the Philippines Navy won several miraculous victories attributed to the statue. Five churches have been built to house this statue. She is considered the patroness of the Philippines Navy and on their most popular Marian images.

Virgin of the Rosary of Pompeii

Shrine Location: Pontifical Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary (Pompeii, Italy)
Type: Painted icon panel, Maesta
Feast Day: Oct 7- Our Lady of the Rosary
Origin Story: Devotion established after the victory at the Battle of Lepanto 1571. Image arrives in Pompeii to further promote the devotion to the rosary.
Development:

1875- Image arrives in Pompeii promoted by Bartolo Longo
1876-1883- Cathedral built as shrine of the image and devotion to the rosary
1887- Pope Leo XIII coronates the image
1901- The cathedral becomes a sanctuary, and is elevated to basilica

Iconography: Mary enthroned as queen with the Christ Child. Saint Dominic and Saint Catherine of Sienna kneel at her side. Mary is handing a Rosary to Saint Catherine, while baby Jesus is handing one to Saint Dominic
Famous replicas/Shrines:

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary (Manila, Philippines)
Rosary Basilica (Fatima, Portugal)

Patronage: Rosary, Dominicans, Families, peace, and mercy
Summary: This image is like a sacred endorsement of the Rosary practice, which was promoted by the Dominican Order. It essentially shows Mary and Christ handing over the Rosary to their most devoted saints, Dominic and Catherine of Siena. With origins from the middle ages, the prayer of the Rosary had become the most popular devotional prayers by this time. This image furthered promoted the already holy Rosary tradition and was even venerated by the pope himself.

Our Lady of Graces

Shrine Location: Faenza Cathedral (Italy)
Type: Painting icon panel, Our Lady of Grace
Iconography: Mary holding the Christ Child with crown, surronded by angels and clouds
Origin Story: The Virgin Mary appeared to a woman and promised the plague would end thru her intercession. After the plague came to a stop the image was created as a token of gratitude and devotion
Development History:

1412- Original image painted in Dominican church after reported local Marian vision ends plague
17-18th centuries- Further miracles occur thru prayers to the image which strengthen the devotion
1765- Image moved as central piece of Faenza Cathedral

Famous Replicas/Shrines:

Santa Maria della Grazie (Milan, Italy)
Basilica of Our Lady of Graces (Sardhana, India)
Mosaic at Sanctuary of Saint Pio of Pietelcina (San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy)
Madonna della Grazie- Botticelli

Feast Day: Saturday before the 2nd Sunday of May
Summary: This devotion began after an apparition where the Virgin Mary called for prayer and repentance and then promised to end a plague. Despite this report, it was only accepted as a local vision, and not officially investigated or recognized apparition by the church. This is considered one of the first major devotional images to Our Lady of Graces. It could also fall under the devotional title of Mediatrix of all Graces title, similar to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.

Our Lady of Luxembourg

Shrine Location: Notre-Dame Cathedral (Luxembourg City, Luxembourg)
Type: Wooden statue of Madonna and Child enthroned
Iconography: Virgin Mary crowned and richly dressed holding the Christ Child and a scepter
Origin Story: Jesuit priest led a procession with this statue which later became a devotional object of sacred healings and miracles
Development History:

1624- Fr. Jacques Brocquart leads procession with wooden statue of Mary.
1628- Chapel built to enshrine the statue and the pilgrimage devotion begins
1630s- Our Lady of Luxembourg declared patroness of Luxembourg City
1790s- Statue hidden during French Revolution
1866- Canonically crowned by Pope Pius IX

Famous Replicas/Shrines:

Basilcia of Our Lady of Consolation (Kevelear Germany)

Feast Day: Sept 15 (Associated with Our Lady of Sorrows and Oktav festival)
Patronage: Luxembourg city
Summary: This is one of Luxembourg's most popular Marian devotions, also referred to as the Consolatress of the Afflicted. The image was revered for it's healing and protection powers and became a major center of pilgrimage beginning in the 15 th century. It surprisingly survived the French Revolution, and it's original statue is still intact shrined at the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Luxembourg. There are various hymns associated to the Lady of Luxembourg and it's devotional festival of Oktav lasts for two weeks after Easter, during the month of May.

Our Lady of Altagracia

Shrine Location: Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia (Higuey, Dominican Republic)
Type: Painting icon, Hodegetria, Byzantine style, Nativity narrative scene
Iconography: Mary is standing over in prayer looking upon the baby Jesus in his crib. St. Joseph is in the background with stars, depicting the Nativity Scene
Origin Story: The painting was brought from Spain by a mysterious man who gave it to a Dominican family then disappeared (legend has it that it was an angel)
Development History:

1500s- Image is brought from Spain to the Dominican Republic
1572- 1 st chapel is built to house the image in the town of Higuey
17 th- 18 th century- Image becomes a popular devotion and also represents the Dominican national identity
1922- Canonically crowned by the pope

Feast Day: Jan 22
Patronage: Dominican Republic, Alta Gracia-Argentina,
Summary: Translated as High Grace, she is regarded as the protective and spiritual mother of the Dominican Republic. It's origin story is a mysterious one, where legend tells that it was brought from Spain by a divine messenger or angel. It later became their primary Marian devotion by the 1700-1800s. It received even more devotion when the Dominican Republic achieved their independence in 1844. The image is unique from most other venerated icons in that it depicts a Marian narrative (pertaining to the Nativity), instead of the usual Madonna and Child scene.

Our Lady of the Turning Eyes

Shrine Location: Holy Cross Munster (Kapellenkirche)- Rottweil, Germany
Type: Wooden statue of Madonna and Child, Gothic style
Iconography: Mary holding Christ Child in crown and royal robes
Origin Story: The image had a special allure in which Mary's eyes seem to turn to her onlooker wherever they stand.
Development History:

14th century- Image was created and placed in German chapel
15th- 16th century- Image becomes a local devotion and a popular pilgrimage site throughout Germany.
1643- Witnesses saw the statue turn pale and raise it's eyes toward heaven
1802- Statue is moved into the church of Holy Cross Munster

Summary: This is a regional devotion where the statue of Mary gained a reputation for her moving eyes. While this may be part of the aesthetic allure of the image, there are also various miracle accounts. Various witnesses (Catholic and non-Catholic) have reported various accounts of her eyes turning upward, weeping, with a pale color, or even reddish face. This is one of the more famous accounts of Marian weeping statues. Some other famous ones include Our Lady of Syracuse, Our Lady of Akita, and Our Lady of Civitavecchia that have also shed tears, sweat, and even blood.

Our Lady of Lujan

Shrine Location: Basilica of Our Lady of Lujan (Argentina)
Type: Terracotta statue, Immaculate Conception
Iconography: Mary is in prayer, without the Christ Child, rich garments of white and blue, crowned
Origin Story: The statue was built in Lujan and was meant to be transported however the oxen refused to move it away from Lujan, which was seen as Mary choosing to stay in Lujan.
Development History:

1630- Statue of Virgin Mary is made in Lujan and set to leave for Portugal, however the oxen carrying the statue refuse to leave.
1630-1670- Small shrine is built dedicated to the Lady of Lujan image. The devotion spreads locally
1887- Becomes a major pilgrimage site, and the pope gives it the canonical crown.

1890-1935- The shrine is expanded into a Gothic Basilica
Feast Day: May 8
Patronage: Argentina
Summary: She is the patron mother of Argentina and one of their most devoted Marian images. It attracts millions of pilgrims annual during it's feast around May 8th. The devotion began out of a peculiar case of oxen refusing to move the state from Lujan, as if the Virgin Mary herself had chosen to stay there. This event inspired a hermitage, which became a shrine, which became an impressive Gothic Cathedral with the statue enshrined. The image not only received the canonical crown but also the high papal honor of the Golden Rose. It is one of the largest Marian devotions in South America (after Our Lady of Aparecida) with approximately 5 to 6 million pilgrims a year.

Nuestra Senora de San Juan de Los Lagos

Shrine Location: Basilica of Our Lady of Saint John of the Lakes
Type: Colonial statue, Immaculate Conception
Iconography: Mary stands in prayer, without the Christ Child, wearing luxurious robe with crown; angels floating above her
Origin Story: A child in Los Lagos died, and a woman placed the statue near his body and he was miraculously restored to life.
Development History:

1623- Miracle occurs where a child is restored to life thru devotional prayers to the statue
17th century- Shrine is established to house the statue which becomes a major pilgrimage site
1904- The image receives the canonical crown
20th century- Basilica is constructed in honor of the Marian devotion

Famous Replicas/Shrines:

San Juan de los Lagos church (Talpa, New Mexico)

Feast Day: Feb 2 (Presentation of the Lord)
Patronage: Jalisco, poor and suffering
Summary: This is one of the most popular Marian devotions in Mexico after Our Lady of Guadalupe. The story is a unique one where an acrobatic performer and his family arrived to perform in San Juan de Los Lagos. They were trapeze artists and often did stunts by swinging on ropes over sharp knives. Well on this one day, the young trapeze daughter slipped and fell onto the knives and was mortally wounded. However after being wrapped in burial clothes a lady from the town placed the statue next to her body and she was miraculously revived to life. It's no surprise that thereafter the devotion to the Marian image exploded throughout Mexico. It was later credited with many more healing miracles and a basilica was built in it's honor. Today the devotion attracts approximately 6 to 7 million people annually to pay their respect to the Lady of Saint John of the Lakes.

Nuestra Senora de la Luz

Shrine Location: Basilica of Our Lady of the Light (Leon, Mexico)
Type: Baroque painting; Our Lady of Grace
Iconography: The Virgin Mary is rescuing a soul from hell while she holds the Christ Child. Angels fly above her while demons are below her.
Origin Story: Created by Jesuit priests, based off a vision a woman experienced
Development History:

1730s- Jesuit priest Fr. Jose de Genovese begins devotion inspired by woman's vision of the Virgin Mary
18th century- Devotion spreads throughout Leon Mexico and parts of Spain and Italy
1866- Cathedral is built in Leon dedicated to Our Lady of the Light

Patronage: Salvation of Souls
Summary: This is a very unique narrative image that was inspired by a nun's vision. Unlike the usual Madonna and Child icons, it displays Mother Mary saving a soul from hell. This somewhat depicts Mary as the Mediatrix of All Graces, but is also in a category of it's own. It's considered quite controversial that Mary could save a soul from hell which according to church doctrine is not allowed. The church interprets the image as Mary saving a sinner before he falls into hell rather then pulling him out of hell. What makes this such an important devotional piece, is not the controversial artwork, but the Marian vision that inspired the painting of the image.

Madonna della Strada

Shrine Location: Church of the Gesu (Rome, Italy)
Type: Medieval fresco, Hodegetria, Byzantine style
Iconography:
Origin Story: A fresco painting from the 13th century which became the central Marian devotion for the Jesuits under St. Ignatius of Loyola
Development History:

13 th century- Image is painted by an unknown Roman artist
1500s- St. Ignatus of Loyola promotes devotion to the image; becomes a Jesuit devotional Marian image
1568-1584- Church of the Gesu is built and the image is enshrined there
1638- Image is canonically crowned

Famous replicas/shrines:Madonna della Strada chapel at Loyola University in Chicago
Patronage: Society of Jesus (Jesuits), missionaries
Summary: Also referred to as Our Lady of the Way this image has a rich history going as far back as the 1200s. While it has now legendary miracle or vision associated to it, it became the primary Marian icon of the Jesuit Order. Thru their long history the Jesuits used this image throughout their missionary work to promote the importance of Mary's role as intercessor of Christ. It is considered one of the oldest and earliest official papal crowning of an image (after the Santa Maria della Steccata and Madonna della Febbre).

Our Lady of Einsiedeln

Shrine Location: Einsiedeln Abbey (Switzerland)
Type: Statue of Mary (Black Madonna)
Iconography: Mary holding the Christ Child, crowned, rich robes, golden rays
Origin Story: This statue belonged to St. Meinrad who was martyred. It was later moved to a monastery where according to legend it was consecrated by angels
Development History:

861- Hermit Saint Meinrad is martyred. His wooden statue of Mary is moved to local Benedictine brotherhood
934- Benedictine monastery is founded in Einsiedeln where statue is housed
948- Legendary vision of miraculous consecration by angels
Middle Ages- The legend of the statue spreads and turns the shrine into a pilgrimage site
1466- Original statue is lost due to fire and replaced by current Black Madonna
1700s- Grand Baroque abbey is constructed

Famous replicas/shrines:

St. Meinrad Archabbey (Indiana, USA)

Feast Day: Sept 14 (Local celebration of Miraculous Consecration
Patronage: Switzerland, Monastic life
Summary: Also referred to as Our Lady of the Hermits, it is the largest Marian shrine in Switzerland with a very old history dating back to the 900s. The dedication begins with Saint Meinard who was martyred and seemed to live on thru this statue of Mary. This was made apparent when the miraculous event of the angels descended upon the shrine to consecrate the statue. Unfortunately the original statue was lost due to fire, however the devotional tradition continued with a new version of a Black Madonna. By the middle age, the image-based devotion had become a very popular pilgrimage site.

Our Lady Undoer of Knots

Shrine Location: St. Peter am Perlach Church (Augsburg, Germany)
Type: Baroque painting; Woman of the Apocalypse
Iconography: Mary standing on the crescent moon over the serpent of evil. She is surrounded by angels while she unties a tangled ribbon. She wears a crown of stars, while the holy spirit flies over her
Origin Story: The painting was commissioned by a noble couple who was going thru marital issues, and found peace thru the intercession of Mary
Development History:

1700s- The Langenmantel family comissions painting by Johann Georg Melchior Schmidtner
1900s- Devotion stayed mostly locally and unknown until it was promoted by Jorge Bergoglio (later Pope Francis). He later brought it to Argentina where it became much more popular

Famous replicas/shrines:San Jose del Talar (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Patronage: Marriage problems, family issues, addictions, emotional problems
Summary: The Lady of the Undoer of Knots is a very unique devotional image-based story. It was commissioned by a noble family after they prayed to the devotional image of the Mother Thrice Admirable. They prayed that Mary would untie the knots of their marriage. The painting was done by Baroque artist Johann Georg Melchior Schmidtner to depict this new devotion of Our Lady Undoer of Knots. It is a depiction of the Woman of the Apocalypse as she overlooks the world atop a moon, surrounded by angels. The knots represent the problems of mankind that Mary is always fixing thru her grace. It's quite interesting that it was probably a smaller family devotion with the painting and was not truly made public until recently. When the soon-to-be Pope France studied in Germany he was moved by the image and promoted the devotion in Argentina. Ever since it has really took off. So it's an old German image-based devotion that has undergone a total revival in Latin America.

Our Lady of Aparecida

Shrine Location: Catheral Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida (Sao Paulo, Brazil)
Type: Statue depicting the Immaculate Conception; Black Madonna
Iconography: Mary's hands are folded in prayer, she is wearing a blue robe with golden embroidery. She is wearing a crown.
Origin Story: Three fisherman discover a wooden statue of Mary, then catch an abundance of fish. Many more miracles are later associated to the statue
Development History:

1717- Three fisherman recover the statue and experience a miracle of fish catching
1700-1800s- Shrine is built and devotion to the statue spreads throughout Brazil
1904- Canonical coronation of the statue
1955-1980- Construction of the massive basilica to enshrine the statue

Famous replicas/shrines:

Aparecida Chapel inside National Shrine of Immaculate Conception (Washington DC)

Feast Day: Oct 12
Patronage: Brazil, poor, marginalized, families, fishermen
Summary: She is the patroness of Brazil and their most famous Marian devotion. The statue also has the claim of being shrined in the 2nd largest church in the world after St. Peter's Basilica. The first miracle after the fishermen discover the statue is very similar to when Jesus called Peter and John to become fishers of men. There are many other miracle stories associated to the statue, such as the breaking of slaved chains, candles lighting on their own, horse kneeling before the statue, and many healing miracles. It is considered one of the top Christian pilgrimage sites in the world, bringing in 10-to-12 million visitors a year (only behind St. Peters and Guadalupe).

Nuestra Senora de la Puerta

Shrine Location: Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Gate (Otuzco, Peru)
Type: Wooden statue
Iconography: Mary in prayer, wearing royal dark robes with a crown
Origin Story: The town of Trujillo was victim to many pirate attacks, and decided to place a statue of the Virgin Mary. Ever since the town was never attacked again
Development History:

1600s- The statue is placed in a shrine as a form of protection against pirate attacks.
1700-1800s- Devotion quickly spreads as there are no more pirate attacks as well as other prayer miracles
1943- Declared patroness of Peru
1967- Canonically crowned by Pope Paul VI

Feast Day: Dec 15 (Peruvian festival)
Patronage: Northern Peru, protection of cities, homes, and thresholds
Summary: The Virgin of La Puerta is one of the most popular Marian devotions in Northern Peru. The tradition goes back to the 1600s during the Pirate Age where the hub town of Trujillo was frequently attacked. The devotion began further inland in the town of Otuzco where the community sought to protect both Trujillo and their town of Otuzco. After the pirate attacks stopped it was believed that this was thru the intercession of Our Lady of the Gate. The devotion quickly spread throughout the 1700s-1800s and was even canonically crowned by the pope in the 1960s.

Our Lady of Chinquinquira

Shrine Location: Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Chinquinquira (Colombia)
Type: Painting of Mother Mary as Woman of the Apocalypse, Our Lady of the Rosary
Iconography: Mary standing on the crescent moon with the Christ Child, she is flanked by St. Anthony of Padua and St. Andrew the Apostle. Both Mary and Christ are holding the rosary.
Origin Story: Painting created in the 1560s was damaged badly by the sun, but was miracoulusly restored thru prayer
Development History:

1562- Painting created by Alonso de Narvaez
1586- Painting is ruined by sun exposure, but is miraculously restored thru the prayers of Maria Ramos
17th- 18th centuries- Devotion spreads throughout New Granada (primarily in Colombia and Venezuela)
1709- Venezuela has it's own miracle event that is tied to the same Marian devotion
1919- Image is canonically crowned
1927- Shrine elevated to minor basilica

Famous replicas/shrines:

Basilica of Our Lady of Chiquinquira (Maracaibo, Venezuela)
Monument of Our Lady of Chiquinquira (Maracaibo, Venezuela)

Feast Day: July 9 (Colombia), Nov 18 (Venezuela)
Patronage: Colombia, Venezuela, healing, protection, renewal
Summary: This is one of the most famous Marian devotions in Colombia and Venezuela (two regions that were once united as New Granada). The miraculously event pertains to the restoration of a painting thru divine Marian intercession. There was also a supernatural event that occurred in Maracaibo when a replica image of the Lady of Chiquinquira refused to leave (also known as "La Chinita"). The devotion of Our Lady of Chinquinquira quickly spread as a symbol of renewal and national unity. Both nations have their own festivals dedicated to the same Marian devotion. This devotion has some personal importance to me, as my mom is from Colombia and grew up in Venezuela. My parents met during the festival of Our Lady of Chinquinquira in Maracaibo, Venezuela.

Santa Maria della Steccata

Shrine Location: Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Steccata (Parma, Italy)
Type: Painting icon panel, Nursing Madonna
Iconography: Depicts the Virgin Mary nursing the Child Jesus, with golden halos
Origin Story: The image was displayed on a church wall and became famous for healing miracles which grew into a devotion
Development History:

1392- Oratory established by Knights of Malta with the image of Mary nursing the Christ Child
Early 1400s- The image quickly gained a cult following and a wooden fence was built around it known as the "steccato"
1500s- Construction of the current sanctuary as pilgrimage grew to the image
1601- The image was crowned by a Capuchin friar, making it the first unofficial Marian image
1631- Formally canonized by the papacy
2008- The sanctuary was elevated to basilica

Patronage: Parma, Mothers, families
Summary: This began as a fairly standard image on the walls of a church that quickly grew into a devotional following thru answered prayers. The "stecatto" refers to the wooden fence that was later added to help control the traffic of devotees. The following became so popular that a larger church was built in it's honor. It's true claim to fame however is that it was the first image to be crowned with holy honor. This was an unofficial crowning that later inspired the official canonized coronation process by the papacy in the 1630s.

Madonna Della Febbre

Shrine Location: St. Peter's Basilica (Vatican City)
Type: Painting icon panel; Madonna and Child; Byzantine, Sienese
Iconography: Virgin Mary holding Christ Child both with golden halos
Origin Story: The painting was created in the 14th century at the Church of Santa Maria della Febbre.
Development History:

1356- Image credited to Lippo Memmi (Sienese painter)
14th- 15th century- Image is displayed at the church of Santa Maria della Febbre; becomes a popular devotion
1575- The building was absorbed by the much larger reconstructed St. Peter's Basilica
1631- Receives the first official canonical crown from the pope
1777- Image was officially moved into St. Peter's Basilica, while the Santa Maria delle Febbre church was destroyed

Patronage: Healing from illness and fevers
Summary: The image-based devotion of Our Lady of the Fever has unique historical significance as the first official canonical coronation of a Marian image. The image was painted by Lippo Memmi in a fairly standard Madonna-and-Child pose. However the popularity grew from its devotional title as a protector of sickness and became accredited with numerous healing miracles. The church was later demolished and the image was enshrined in a chapel in the iconic St. Peter's Basilica. The practice of crowning images as the highest form of honor had been around since the early 1600s beginning with the Santa Maria della Steccata. However it did not became an official papal process until 1631. Thus this image of the Madonna Della Febbre became the first official sacred image to receive the canonical crown.

Our Lady of Suyapa

Shrine Location: Basilica of Our Lady of Suyapa (Tegucigalpa, Honduras)
Type: Wooden statue of enthroned Mary, Immaculate Conception
Iconography: Virgin Mary alone hands in prayer, richly dressed with crown
Origin Story: Discovered by a poor laborer outdoors while sleeping on the ground. He placed it on a community altar, which grew into a devotion
Development History:

1747- Discovered by Alejandro Colindres as he slept outdoors he felt the hard object and discovered it was a statue of the Virgin Mary
1747-1790s- First public chapel built to house the statue
1796- First major healing miracle reported
1925- Declared patronness of Honduras
1954- Large basilica constructed in honor of the growing pilgramage. Image is crowned by papacy
2015- Shrine elevated to Minor Basilica

Famous replicas/shrines:

Chapel in the Vatican Gardens

Feast Day: Feb 3 (Celebrated locally)
Patronage: Honduras, Centarl America, protection, healing, national unity
Summary: This is the patron Marian devotion in Honduras as well as much of Central America. She wears blue and white robes similiar to the flag of Hondurs, with a distinctive brownish skin, often referred to as "La Morenita". The devotion became popular when it was discovered in a field where a laborer slept. The image-based devotion quickly grew thru prayers and healing miracles. It was later recognized by the Vatican City as an important sacred object worthy of coronation and even a basilica.

Our Lady of the Thirty Three

Shrine Location: Cathedral Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of the Thirty Tree (Florida, Uruguay)
Type: Statue of the Immaculate Conception, Woman of the Apocalypse
Iconography: Virgin Mary, hands in prayer depicted in blue and white robes with a massive golden crown. She is standing atop angels and a crescent moon
Origin Story: Created by Guarani Jesuit artisans in honor of the Uruguayan patriots known as the Thirty Three Orientals
Development History:

18th century- Statue is created by indigenous Guarani artists thru Jesuit missionaries
1779- Statue is placed in a small chapel known as Villa del Pintado
1825- The 33 Uruguayan patriots led by Manuel Oribe prayer before the statue to aid their fight of independence over Brazil
1857- Iconic golden crown placed on statue by Juan Antonio Lavalleja and Manuel Oribe
19th- 20th century- Devotion and pilgrimages grow for the statue
1961- Canonical coronation and declared patroness of Uruguay

Famous replicas/shrines:

Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral (famous image of the Virgin of the Thirty Three)

Feast Day: Second Sunday of November (local feast day)
Patronage: Uruguay, national unity and independence
Summary: This began as a simple statue of Mary as the Immaculate Conception, but later grew into a symbol of independence. The United Provinces of Argentina and Uruguay fought for independence in the Cisplatine War of 1825-1828. At the start of the fight 33 of the prominent Uruguay revolution leaders led by Juan Antonio Lavalleja and Manuel Oribe prayed to the virgin for success. When their prayers were answered they renamed the statue after these 33 patriotic heroes. It thus became a devotional symbol of Uruguayan independence and national identity.

Virgin de Los Angeles

Shrine Location: Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels (Cartago, Costa Rica)
Type: Stone statue of Black Madonna
Iconography: Virgin Mary holding the Chrit Child, dark complexion
Origin Story: Statue was discovered by a young girl who took it home, but the statue then miraculously returned to it's original location twice. A shrine was later built on the exact location.
Development History:

1635- Young girl named Juana Pereira discovers the statue on a small rock. After she took it home, the statue returned to the same spot twice.
1639- First church was built on the miraculous site, devotion spreads
1824- Declared patroness of Costa Rica
1926- Canonically crowned

Feast Day: Aug 2nd (National holiday in Costa Rica)
Patronage: Costa Rica, healing, protection, national unity
Summary: Also referred to as "La Negrita", this is the most important religious symbol in Costa Rica. It was born from a unique miracle event, where the stone of the Virgin Mary chose a specific spot as holy ground. Despite being moved several times, it continued to magically return to where it was found. This is similar to many other stories of Marian images that refuse to change location as if desiring to stay where they were originally discovered. I actually got to see this site when I was visiting Costa Rica in 2009. I gathered the importance of the image-devotion and made my own pilgrimage to Cartago. I was impressed by the basilica and also the shrine of the statue sitting atop a rock surrounded by a spring of water.

Virgin of Candelaria

Shrine Location: Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria (Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain)
Type: Statue of the Black Madonna
Iconography: Mary holding the Christ Child in royal robes, a crown, and a candle in one hand
Origin Story: Statue was discovered on a beach in the Canary Islands by indigenous Guanches. They perceived it as a taboo object and tried to destroy it but were unable to do so. It was later identified as a statue of the Virgin Mary by a Guanche Christian convert
Development History:

1392- Statue discovered on beach of Canary Islands where miracle occurs
1400s- Guanche people identify statue as holy object. First they venerate it as one of their own goddesses but later as the true Virgin Mary
16th- 17th century- Spanish missionaries convert the island and promote the devotion of the statue
1826- Original statue is lost in a storm flood and replaced by a replica
1959- Basilica built to honor the devotional object

Famous replicas/shrines:

Jaro Cathedral - National Shrine of Our Lady of the Candles (Jaro, Philippines)
Shrine of Our Lady of Candelaria (Silang, Philippines)
Candelaria, Quezon (Philippines)
Cathedral of San Fernando- Cathedral of Our Lady of Candelaria and Guadalupe (Texas, USA)- oldest cathedral in USA

Feast Day: Aug 14-15 or Feb 2nd (part of Candlemas)
Patronage: Canary Islands, Medellin, Puno-Peru, Lajas, Western Visayas, Silang Cavite
Summary: This is an interesting, very popular Marian image-devotion that was born from an indigenous people. The Guanche people of the Canary Islands first identified it as a form of dangerous icon. After they were unable to destroy it they later identified it as their goddess, Chaxiraxi with her son Chijoraji. It was thru one of their own Christian converts that they discovered it's true nature as the Virgin Mary with Christ Child. It became their devotional image and was especially prominent when the Spanish missionaries converted the natives of the Canary Island. The devotion went on to spread into Spain, the Philippines, and even the Americas. It is referred to as Our Lady of the Candle since she is holding a candle that represents the light and guidance that comes thru Christ.

Our Lady of Good Counsel

Shrine Location: Basilica of Our Lady of Good Counsel (Genazzano, Italy)
Type: Plaster painting icon; Eleusa; Byzantine
Iconography: Mary cheek-to-cheek with the Christ Child
Origin Story: Image came from Albania, was placed in church, and miraculously left the church during Ottoman invasions. It later reappeared on a wall in Genazzano, Italy
Development History:

15th century- Image came from Albania, and mysteriously left the church during Ottoman invasions
1467- Miraculously reappears on walls of Genazzano, Italy
1400s-1500s- Dozens of miracles are accredited to this mysterious image
1600s- Augustinian Order promotes devotion to the image
1682- Receives the canonical crown
1903- Title added to the Litany of Loreto prayer

Famous replicas/shrines:

Our Lady of Good Counsel (Naples, Italy)

Our Mother of Good Counsel (Essen Cathedral, Germany)- oldest depiction of devotional title
Feast Day: April 26
Patronage: Albania, Guidance, wisdom, decision-making, good judgement
Summary: This is another great miraculous moving-image tradition. The origins of this image are very mysterious as it arrived from Albania and then briefly disappeared during Ottoman invasions. According to legend it was carried away by angels and later returned to the city walls of Genazzano, Italy. This image celebrates Mary's devotional title as Our Lady of Good Counsel, displaying her role as a source of guidance, good-judgement, and wisdom.

La Divina Pastora

Shrine Location: Minor Basilica of Santa Rose (Barquisimeto, Venezuela)
Type: Statue, Madonna and Child
Iconography: Virgin Mary depicted as shepherdess, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, holding a staff, and the Christ Child
Origin Story: The devotion originated in Spain and the statue was brought to Venezuela by a Capuchin friar, of which it refused to move from.
Development History:

1700s- Devotion of La Pastora originates in Seville, Spain. Capuchin friar brings statue from Spain to the Americas
1736- The statue of the Divinia Pastora became very heavy and impossible to move when it reached Santa Rosa
1700-1800s- Devotion to the statue grew
1812- Earthquake destroyed the Santa Rose church, but the statue remained intact
1855- During a cholera epidemic the statue was processed thru Barquisimeto as a sign of prayer

Feast Day: Jan 14
Patronage: Barquisimeto, Lara State, protection from sickness
Summary: This is Venezuela's 2nd most popular Marian devotion after Chinquinquira centered in Barquisimeto. The devotion originated in Spain by honoring Mary as a shepherdess, just as Jesus was considered a shepherd. However the devotion really took off in Venezuela, when the friar brought the statue. This is another case of a moving-image miracle, where the statue refused to move from Santa-Rosa. It then became a popular devotional and an annual tradition was born of processing the statue. It is carried from the town of Santa Rosa to the large city of Barquisimeto, and visits all the Catholic parishes in the city during the Lenten Season.

Our Lady of the Conquest

Shrine Location: Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assis (Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA)
Type: Wooden statue of Madonna and Child, Our Lady of the Assumption
Iconography: Mary depicted with the Child Jesus, dressed in elaborate blue and white robes and crown
Origin Story: Brought from Spain to New Mexico, it survived the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 and was seen as the symbol of victory in the region
Development History:

1625- Statue brought from Spain to Sante Fe, New Mexico likely by Spanish Franciscan missionaries
1680- She is moved to El Paso during the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. When the Spanish recapture the territory she is see as the Lady of the Conquest
1692- Devotion to the image grew around it's theme of Catholic restoration in the region
1992- Renamed to Our Lady of Peace

Feast Day: Early Sept (Santa Fe Fiesta)
Patronage: Santa Fe, Peace and reconciliation
Summary: Even though this devotion began as a celebration of Spanish occupancy and conquer, it later grew into something deeper. Her iconic name as La Conquistadora was recently changed to Our Lady of Peace and even Our Lady of Conquering Love in an effort to cover the narrative of Spain's conquest of Mexican territory. This is a similar case as Our Lady of Victory who was changed to a more peaceful Our Lady of the Rosary. The tradition of honoring the statue in a procession began in 1693 and has become one of the oldest Marian festivals still active today in the United States.

Our Lady of Sameiro

Shrine Location: Sanctuary of Our Lady of Samiero (Braga, Portugal)
Type: Statue depicting the Immaculate Conception
Iconography: Mary wearing a crown, hands in prayer, blue and white garments
Origin Story: Established by a Portuguese priest to promote the recent dogma of the Immaculate Conception
Development History:

1860s- Fr. Martinho Antonio Pereira da Silva promoted the devotion to the Immaculate Conception and commissioned a statue and sanctuary
1876- Statue received the canonical coronation
1900s- Became a popular pilgrimage site in Portugal to pay devotion to Mary (even more-so after the rise of Fatima)

Feast Day: First Sunday of June
Patronage: Portugal, Spiritual purity, religious revival
Summary: This is a fairly recent devotion that began in the city of Braga Portugal to the Lady of the Immaculate Conception. It doesn't have any legendary miracle origins associated to it however the devotion quickly grew over time thru prayer intercessions. The sanctuary in itself is an impressive celebration of the devotion that stands high on a hill. The devotional statue quickly gained a massive following in Portugal, and received the Canonical coronation and the Golden Rose. It is the 2nd most popular Marian devotion after the Lady of Fatima.

Our Lady of Salvation

Shrine Location: Shrine of Our Lady of Salvation (Joroan, Tiwi, Philippines)
Type: Wooden statue of Mary as queen, Our Lady of Grace
Iconography: Mary is standing holding Jesus Christ in one arm, while helping another person with her other arm.
Origin Story: A Clapi tree was cut down but the leaves did not wither. A priest ordered a devotional site and statue to honor the miracle
Development History:

1770s- Calpi tree is cut down, but leaves do not wither. A priest commissions 3 sculptures from the wood including Our Lady of Salvation, Our Lady of Sorrows, and Saint Anthony of Padua
1776- Statue is sent to Joroan, Philippines along with the building of a chapel to enshrine it
1800s- Devotion grows thru intercession prayers and healing miracles
1853- Dispute over the ownership of the statue was settled to stay in Joroan permanently
1976- Canonical coronation of the image

Feast Day: Third Saturday of August
Patronage: Albay, Salvation and healing
Summary: This image is very similiar to the controversial painting of Nuestra Senora de la Luz where Mary is pulling someone out of hell. In this one she is saving someone who stands ona demon. This is yet another symbol of her role as helper of the Christians and Mediatrix of All Graces. There is another person in the form of an angel offering her a gift of burning hearts, which represents humanity's burning love. The statue is accredited with many notable miracles such as salvation from pirates, a captive women led home by a deer, salvation from a boat capsizing during a storm, survival of natural disasters, and many healing miracles. There is even an apparition story of the Virgin appearing to someone asking for a candle and the next day the candle was found by her statue, unlit and unused. It truly is a beautiful statue that emphasizes Mary's role as intercessor and salvation of humanity. I find the visual icon of her saving souls from hell to be especially powerful. It reminds me of the final line of the Hail Mary, where we ask Mary to "deliver us from evil, now and at the hour of our death".

Our Lady of Trsat

Shrine Location: Sanctuary of Our Lady of Trsat (Rijeka, Croatia)
Type: Painting icon panel with surrounding narrative scenes; Mother of Mercy
Iconography: Mary seating holding the Christ Child, leaning slightly toward child with tender expression
Origin Story: Legendary tradition where the Holy House of Nazareth was transported by angels to Trsat Croatia before it went to Loreto, Italy
Development History:

1291-1294- Holy House of Nazareth is transported from Israel to Croatia (most likely by a noble family)
1300s- After the house moves from Croatia to Italy, Pope Urban V commissions a holy image to become the new center of devotion
14 th-15 th century- Devotion grows, promoted by the Franciscans with the construction of a sanctuary to enshrine the image
1715- Our Lady of Trast is canonically crowned

Famous replicas/shrines:

Our Lady of Loreto (Italy)

Feast Day: May 10, Aug 15 (Assumption)
Patronage: Rijeka, Safe travel, comfort in loss, family protection
Summary: This is the oldest and most popular Marian devotions in Croatia, tied to the famous Shrine of Our Lady of Loreto. It was given to Croatia as a gift from Pope Urban V, but it's exact origins are mysterious (sometimes even acredited to St. Luke the Evangelist). It's a multi-faceted painting with 5 panels. The center focus is of Mary with the Christ Child. It is surrounded by four narrative panels, depicting the Annunciation at the Holy House of Nazareth, the Crucifixion, and the saints (one of which is in red likely representing martyrdom). It's a beautiful painting with a golden backdrop that demonstrates the tender loving mercy of Mother Mary.

Our Mother of Sheshan

Shrine Location: Basilica of Our Lady of Sheshan (Shanghai, China)
Type: Statue of Mary, Woman of the Apocalypse, Hodegetria
Iconography: Mary stands on top of a dragon, holding the Christ Child above her head
Origin Story: Jesuit missionaries established this Marian devotion to protect the region from anti-Christian violence
Development History:

1860s- Devotion established by Jesuit missionaries as a symbol of divine protection of the church as it grew in China
1863- First chapel is built with statue
1920s- Current basilica is built with statue as devotion grows
1966-1976- Original statue is destroyed during Chinese Cultural Revolution
2000s- New statue is created and place atop the basilica tower

Feast Day: May 24
Patronage: China, faithfulness under pressure, hope, endurance
Summary: This Marian devotion is a fairly new one that was established during Jesuit missionaries into China in the late 1800s. The Jesuits received heavy opposition throughout Asia, and China was no different. The church and statue of Our Lady of Luck were commissioned as protection against anti-Catholic violence. The statue is a very unique portrayal of Madonna and Child, where Mary holds Christ above her head. It has elements of the Book or Revelation and the Woman of the Apocalypse as she stands on a dragon representing evil. This could also be seen as a form of hodegetria image where Mary is presenting Christ to the world as the true way to salvation. The statue stands atop the basilica tower, but there is also a replica on display within the church. The church also venerates the devotion of Mary as Helper of Christians which is an important part of Lady of Sheshan devotion. This is considered the most popular Marian devotion in China and was even recently promoted by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009.

Our Lady of the Cape

Shrine Location: National Shrine of Our Lady of the Cape (Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, Canada)
Type: Statue associated with the Rosary, Our Lady of Grace
Iconography: Mary stands on her hand, hands outstretched, with crown, portraying the Immaculate Conception
Origin Story: After praying the Rosary, a river froze to ice so that stones could be carried across to build the church
Development History:

1879- Ice Bridge Miracle, where the river froze solid overnight thru prayers to transport materials to the church
1888- Turning Statue Miracle, where reports of the statue turned to face the congregation in church
1904- Canonical coronation of the image
1964- Current basilica built

Feast Day: Aug 15 (Feast of the Assumption), Oct 7 (Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary)
Patronage: Canada, Rosary, Family
Summary: This is considered the patroness of Canada, and their most popular Marian devotions. It is also heavily influenced by the Lady of the Rosary. The devotion has two famous miracles associated to it with the frozen ice bridge and the turning statue. These miracles made the devotion all the more famous as a popular pilgrimage site. Our Lady of the Cape represents Mary's intercession and responsiveness to prayer (especially thru the Rosary). The statue has similar features as Our Lady of Grace or the Lady of the Miraculous Medal.

Our Lady of Montserrat

Shrine Location: Basilica of Santa Maria de Montserrat (Barcelona, Spain)
Type: Statue, Black Madonna, Throne of Wisdom
Iconography: Seated Mary holding the Christ Child, She is carrying a globe in her hand which represents her role as Queen of the World. Jesus is also carrying a globe and his right hand is giving a blessing gesture
Origin Story: Shepherd children notice a mysterious light and heavenly music coming from a cave which leads them to the statue of the Virgin Mary
Development History:

880- Discovery of the statue when several shepherd children are led to a mysterious cave with light and angelic music
11th century- Benedictine monks establish a monastery near the location of the cave to enshrine the statue
Middle Ages- Becomes on of Spain's most important Marian devotions and pilgrimage sites
1790s- Monastery destroyed during the Napoleonic Wars
1800s- Statue is protected and new monastery is rebuilt
1881- Image is canonically crowned

Feast Day: April 27
Patronage: Catalonia, Pregnant mothers, fertility
Summary: This devotional statue has a great origin story as one of the older images dating back to the 800s. It was discovered by children who witnessed an illumination and music coming from a cave. When local authorities investigated and tried to move the statue, it became too heavy, refusing to leave the site. Eventually a chapel then a monastery were built on the site. It quickly became one of Spain's most popular Marian devotions. During the French Napoleonic Wars the monastery was destroyed however the statue was hidden and preserved. The monastery is also renown for having one of the oldest boys choirs in all of Europe (Escolania de Montserrat). The monastery's location high in the mountains of Catalonia is a worthy site for such an iconic historic statue.

Virgen de Cotoco

Shrine Location: Sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception (Cotoca, Bolivia)
Type: Statue of Virgin Mary, Immaculate Conception
Iconography: Virgin Mary in standing posture wearing white and gold robes, with crown. She is holding a rosary and scapular
Origin Story: Two runaway slaves discovered the statue of the Virgin inside the truck on a tree while they gathered wood
Development History:

18th century- Legend of the discovery of the statue within the trunk of a tree
1799- Devotion spreads and first shrine is built to honor the statue
1800-1900s- Devotion continues to grow to become Bolivia's most important Marian devotion

Feast Day: Dec 8 (Feast of the Immaculate Conception)
Patronage: Santa Cruz, Bolivia, justice, vindication, protection from danger
Summary: This is one of Bolivia's most beloved Marian devotions even though it has yet to be officially canonically crowned. Although it's origin story may be legendary, it's an inspiring one where the statue was discovered by runaway slaves or falsely accused prisoners. This event represents Mary's justice and vindication at work to protect those who are in danger or falsely accused. The image represents the Immaculate Conception but also promotes the prayer devotions of the Rosary and the Scapular. It is among the most important Marian devotions in Bolivia alongside Our Lady of Copacabana.

Our Lady of Good Peace and Voyage

Shrine Location: Antipolo Cathedral (Philippines)
Type: Statue, Black Madonna, Immaculate Conception
Iconography: Dark skinned Mary wearing white and blue robes, with crown and staff.
Origin Story: Statue was brought from Acapulco, Mexico to the Philippines by the Spanish Governor and was prayed to for a safe voyage.
Development History:

1626- First voyage from Acapulco, Mexico
1630s- Chuch is built in Antipolo to house the new devotional image
1600-1800s- Damaged several times in fires and earthquakes but image survives
1926- Image is canoincally crowned
1954- Current cathedral is completed
2024- Elevated to International shrine, 1st in Philippines

Feast Day: First Tuesday of May
Patronage: Travelers, Seafarers, safe journeys
Summary: Also referred to as Our Lady of Antipolo, this one share similar patronage as many other Marian devotions of safe travel (such as Our Lady of Navigators and the Stella Maris, Star of the Sea). The statue endured many hardships from revolts, fires, and earthquakes as a testament of its holiness. It grew into one of the most popular Marian devotions behind Our Lady of Penafrancia and Our Lady of Manaoag. The Antipolo Cathedral recently became the first international shrine in the Philippines and is considered the Pilgrimage capital of Philippines thanks to Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage.

Our Lady of Ferguson

Shrine Location: Cathedral of St. John the Divine (New York City, USA)
Type: Painting icon (Byzantine Style), Platytera, Black Madonna
Origin Story: Icon was created as a symbol of racial injustice in response to the 2014 shooting of Michael Brown
Development History:

2015- Our Lady Mother of Ferguson is created by Mark Doox dedicated to all those killed by gun violence

Iconography: Black Madonna, black silhouette of Christ Child in Mary's womb, Gold background, sacred heart
Patronage: African American community, gun violence, racial injustice
Summary: This is a recent icon that was created in response to the killing of the 18 year old Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. It is devotion to Mary as the Black Madonna, seeking her intercession on racial injustice and gun violence. It is still not officially coronated by the Church, however has become a very popular modern icon of Mary, especially among the African American community.

Our Lady of Manaoag

Shrine Location: Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag
Type: Ivory statue, Madonna and Child
Iconography: Virgin Mary carries the Child Jesus, also carries a rosary; both Mary and Christ are dressed in regal robes and crowns
Origin Story: A farmer saw a vision of Mother Mary with child and rosary, requesting that a church be built on this site.
Development History:

1610- Farmer has vision of Mary calling for a church to be built
1600s- Dominican missionaries establish a chapel with a statue devotion
1700s-1800s- Devotion grows and much larger church is built
1901-1912- Church is rebuilt into a basilica
1926- Image is canonically crowned
2014- Elevated to minor basilica

Famous Replicas/Shrines:

Parish of Saint Anthony of Padua (Guam)

Feast Day: This Wednesday after Easter
Patronage: The sick, helpless, healing, and protection
Summary: This is one of many Marian devotions in the Philippines, that is among the top tier with Our Lady of Penafrancia and Our Lady of Good Voyage. The fact that it is attributed to a vision gives it all the more holy significance. The catholic church does not however recognize this as an official apparition, but still a sacred local tradition. The devotional statue is accredited to various other miracles aside from the apparition. This includes surviving raider attacks during the 1600-1700s and Japanese bombing during WWII. It also is credited with numerous weather and healing related miracles (most notably reviving a dead child thru prayers and holy water). It is one of the busiest pilgrim sites in Philippines attracting 5 to 6 million visitors a year.

Virgen de Copacabana

Shrine Location: Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana (Lake Titicaca, Bolivia)
Type: Wooden Statue, Woman of the Apocalypse
Iconography: Mary holding Child Jesus, both richly crowned and dressed, Crescent moon, and angels
Origin Story: Created by a community to help with poor harvests
Development History:

1582- Community of Copacabana commissioned Incan sculpture, Francisco Tito Yupanqui to create statue
16th- 17th centuries- Shrine built on the Temple of the Sun to convert Incas to Christianity
18th- 19th centuries- Devotion spreads thru healing miracles and Bolivian Independence
1925- Canonical crowning
1940- Shrine is elevated to Basilica status

Feast Day: Feb 2 (Candlemas), Aug 5 (Bolivian festivals)
Patronage: Bolivia, Army, Navy, Protection from natural disasters
Summary: This is Bolivia's most important Marian devotion and shrine. It is not tied to any legendary visions or miracles, however it did serve as a symbol of Bolivia's conversion to Catholicism. The fact that the statue was carved by an indigenus native, Francisco Tito Yupanqui, further elevated the devotion among locals. After the majority of the region had converted to Catholicism, the statue continue to offer protection from storms and healings. It also served an intercessory role during Bolivia's War of Independence from Spain. The image has attributes relating to the Woman of the Apocalypse with her standing on the crescent moon. The Basilica that enshrines the statue is an impressive site as it overlooks the Titicaca Lake.

Our Lady of Scherpenheuval

Shrine Location: Basilica of Our Lady of Scherpenheuval (Belgium)
Type: Statue of Madonna and Child
Iconography: Virgin Mary carrying Child Jesus, both crowned and richly dressed
Origin Story: Statue was found attached to an oak tree during the middle ages. Shepherd was unable to move it from it's location thus a shrine was built
Development History:

13th century- Legendary discovery of Mary statue at Oak Tree leads to the building of a devotional shrine
14th- 15 th century- Local devotion grows however meets resistance during Protestant Reformation and Dutch Revolt
1587- Statue is removed by supporters of iconoclasm (venerated images). It is later replaced by a new statue (or re-discovered by some accounts)
1600s- Church and devotion undergoes massive development with the support of the Spanish monarchy
1700s-1800s- Town becames a major pilgrimage site
1922- Church is elevated to minor basilica status

Feast Day: Jan 3
Patronage: Belgium, healing from illness, protection
Summary: This is the most popular Marian devotion in Belgium with an iconic heptagonal shrine. The statue is seen as a symbol of Catholic Revival and survival during the Protestant Reformation. Unfortunately the original statue was removed by supporters of iconoclasm who felt that sacred figures should not be displayed as images or statues. However a new statue was later created even though there are some claims that the original statue was rediscovered. The current basilica is an impressive work of architecture sitting atop a hill in the forest. The statue of Our Lady of Scherpenheuval is the central figure, supported by many other Baroque paintings of Mary narratives.

Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre

Shrine Location: National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre (Santiago, Cuba)
Type: Polychrome statue of Madonna and Child, Woman of the Apocalypse
Iconography: Mary holding Christ Child, Jesus holds a globe, while Mary holds a rosary, Crescent moon, three cherubs
Origin Story: Three workers gathering salt in the sea were saved from a violent storm by praying to Mary. That same day they found a small statue of the Virgin floating nearby on the sea
Development History:

1612- Legend of the Three Juans, who discover the statue floating on the sea after praying to her. The statue was completely dry when they lifted it out of the water
1600s- Shrine and devotion to the lady of Charity spreads
1648- Sanctuary established with the statue
1916- Declared patroness of Cuba
1936- Statue is canonically crowned
1977- Elevated to minor basilica

Famous replicas/Shrines:

Ermita de la Caridad (Miami, USA)

Feast Day: Sept 8 (Nativity of the Virgin Mary)
Patronage: Cuba, protection at sea, the poor, workers
Summary: This Marian devotion is the patroness of Cuba with a rich heritage of national identity. It's origin story is a very good one pertaining to a miracle on the sea. The three workers were in the midst of a terrible storm on their boat praying to Mary to protect them. After the storm they found a statue of Mary floating nearby on the waters. The true miracle was that when they lifted the statue from the water it remained completely dry. From here the devotion took off as the primary Marian symbol of Cuba. It's important to note there are many other versions of the Lady of Charity not connected to this story such as in Spain, Italy, France, the Philippines, Mexico, and the USA. This one in Cuba however is arguably the most famous of the devotional titles that honor Mary's affection for the poor and downtrodden. The devotion also has unique ties to the Yoruba goddess Oshun, in which many of the African slaves who converted to Catholicism saw Mary as the mother goddess of love and motherhood.

Our Lady of Budlsau

Shrine Location: National Shrine of the Mother of God of Budslau (Belarus)
Type: Painting icon panel; Renaissance, Baroque
Iconography: Virgin Mary with Child. Hodgeteria. Crowned.
Origin Story: This was a gift from Rome that was transferred to Budslau and became associated with healing miracles
Development History:

1598- Pope Clement VIII gifts the image to Jan Pan, a nobleman from Budslau
1600s- The image came under the care of Bernadine Monks, where it quickly gathered a devotional following due to healing miracles
18th century- A baroque church was built to house the icon. Which was later elevated to a basilica
1930s-1990s- The image was suppressed during the Soviet era, however survived with quiet devotion
1990s- Shrine underwent a major revival and the icon was canonically crowned

Feast Day: July 2
Patronage: Patroness of Belarus
Summary: This is a beautiful image that sits at the crossroads of the Western Catholic tradition with the Eastern Orthodox Byzantine tradition. Even though it came from Rome it definitely has more of an eastern look to it, with it's almost 3-dimensional perspective that gives Mary and Christ vivid depth. They are illuminated by a golden surrounding which establishes a strong theme of royalty. Mary is pointing to the Christ Child in the hodgeteria fashion, showing the way to Christ.

Our Lady of Mariazell

Shrine Location: Basilica of the Birth of the Virgin Mary (Mariazell, Austria)
Type: Wooden statue Mary and child, throne of wisdom, Hodgeteria
Iconography: Mary is seated with the Christ Child, Christ is holding an apple, Mary is pointing to Christ showing him the way
Origin Story: A Benedictine monk's path was blocked by a large boulder and after he prayed to Mary the boulder split in half.
Development History:

1157- Miracle of the split boulder; Benedictine monk, Magnus begins devotion with chapel and statue on the site
12th- 13th century- The chapel grows into a church with a pilgrimage following
14th century- Church is replaced by a larger Gothic church
17th century- Church is elevated to basilica and the national shrine of the Habsburg Empire
1765-1790- Pilgrimages suppressed under Emperor Joseph II, but then later restored
1907- Elevated to minor basilica

Famous replicas/Shrines:

Replica chapel at National Shrine of Immaculate Conception (Washington DC)

Feast Day: Sept 8, Aug 15
Patronage: Austria, Hungary, Slavic People
Summary: The term Mariazell mean's Mary's cell and she is regarded as the patroness of Austria, the Lady of Hungary, and the Mother of the Slavic Peoples. It has a rich history and origin story dating back to a miracle from the 1100s where a boulder was split thru prayers. The Benedictine monk Magnus established the first chapel and devotion to the Marian statue. It was later credited with many other healing miracles with expanded her following. The Marian devotion was briefly suppressed under Emperor Joseph II due to his enlightened ideals to defund certain aspects of the church that were not considered practical. The devotion was eventually restored and has ever since become one of the most popular Marian devotions throughout Austria, Hungary, and Central Europe. The Mariazell Basilica is an iconic church and is considered the only national shrine of all German speaking people.

Our Lady of Itati

Shrine Location: Basilica of Our Lady of Itati (Argentina)
Type: Wooden statue, Immaculate Conception
Iconography: Virgin Mary hands in prayer, wearing white and blue robes, with veil and crown
Origin Story: Statue was brought by Franciscan missionaries to convert the Guarani people of Argentina. It quickly became associated with protection miracles.
Development History:

1615-1624- Franciscan missionaries arrive to Argentina with statue and place it near the Parana River
17th century- Devotion grows among the indigenous Guarana people thru various protection and survival miracles
19th- 20th century- Large basilica is built to house the statue
1900- Statue receives canonical coronation

Feast Day: July 9
Patronage: Corrientes, River communities
Summary: Introduced by Franciscan missionaries, this became a popular devotion among the native Guarana people that later grew to become one of the most popular Marian devotions of Argentina (after Our Lady of Lujan). According to legend the reflection of the statue appeared several times in the river which led to it's exact location of the shrine. The devotion is seen as the symbol of Spanish missionaries and Argentina's conversion to Catholicism. She is considered the patroness of the Corrientes region where the Parana River flows.

Our Lady of Africa

Shrine Location: Notre Dame d'Afrique (Algiers, Algeria)
Type: Statue, Black Madonna
Iconography: Virgin Mary as Black Madonna, arms extended outward, crowned
Origin Story: Devotional statue brought from France and shrined in a church as an intercession thru the Rosary prayers
Development History:

1840- Statue brought from France and enshrined in Algiers
1850s-1900s- Devotion was promoted by local laywomen thru answered prayers
1858-1872- Construction of the current basilica
1876- Elevated to minor basilica

Famous replicas/Shrines

Shrine of Our Lady of Africa (Ivory Coast)
Our Lady Queen of Africa Cathedral (Sudan)
Our Mother of Africa Church (USA)

Feast Day: April 30
Patronage: Africa, Algeria, interfaith peace between Catholics and Muslims
Summary: This devotion did not come from any legendary origins, yet rather was established by the French missionaries located in Algeria. The idea was to promote prayer thru the Virgin Mary, while celebrating African heritage. It also served as an important symbol of peace between Catholics and Muslims, since it was an area of mixed religion. This devotion later spread from Algeria into other African nations. She is represented as a Black Madonna in the orans posture, a symbol of her welcoming and protection of all African Catholics.

Eastern Image Devotions

Our Lady of Kazan

Shrine Location: Kathan Cathedral (Moscow, Russia)
Type: Painted icon (panel)
Feast Day: July 21, Nov 4
Origin Story: Image was lost for a while but later recovered by a young girl who received a vision where it was buried
Development History:

Middle Ages- Brought to Russia from Constantinople
1400s- Icon is lost due to a terrible fire
1579- Young girl named Matrona received visions from Mary, on the exact location of the icon (which survived the fire)
1579- Official veneration by Eastern Orthodox church
1600s- Became one of the most venerated icons in Russia. Shrine built on the site
1904- Original icon was stolen and likely destroyed and later replaced by a famous replica

Church Dedications:

Kazan Cathedral (Moscow)
Kazan Cathedral (St. Petersburg)

Iconography: Hodegetria/Eleusa hybrid, partially covered face under veil, holding Christ Child, gold background
Famous replicas/shrines: Fatima image
Saint Nicholas holding the icon
Makaryev Monastery
Patronage: Protector of Russia, national unity, military defense, families
Summary: This is one of the most revered Marian devotions in Russia and Eastern Christianity. It has such a rich history tied to a miracle. It was lost for a hundred years but relocated thru a divine vision. Unfortunately the original icon was stolen, however there are many replicas that preserve it's legacy. Sure would be quite the story if it was relocated again thru another divine vision. The current image is protected by a riza metal covering, which gives it an even more sacred allure.

Kykkos Icon

Shrine Location: Kykkos Monastery (Troodos Mountains, Cyprus)
Type: Painted panel icon (Byzantine style)
Feast Day: Aug 15, Sept 8
Origin Story: According to legend was one of St. Luke's paintings. It later gained a reputation for miracles of of survival and healing
Development History:

11th century- Brought to Cyrpus from Constantinople by order of Emperor Alexios I Kommenons who founded the Kykkos Monastery
1110- Kykkos Monastery is established
1365- One of several fires destroys the monastery. Image miraculously survives the fire
1541- Image survives another devastating fire
1795- Icon becomes permanently covered/veiled

Iconography: Eleousa (tenderness) form, Mary holding Christ Child close, rich robes, gold background
Famous replicas/shrines:
Patronage: National protector of Cyprus, healing of illness
Summary: This one is considered quite special due to it's claim of being one of the major icons painted by Saint Luke. It is a reference to the Theotokos and one of the most revered images in Eastern Christianity (it is also venerated by the Western Latin church). The image is tied to many miracles, in surviving fires, and causing healings thru devotional intercession. This Marian Devotion is considered the patroness of Cyrpus. The current shrine of the icon uniquely covers the face of Mary with a protective tissue (emphasizing her sacred holy mystery).

Theotokos of Zarvanytsia

Shrine Location: Zarvanytsia, Ternopil Oblast Ukraine
Type: Painted icon panel; Byzantine
Iconography: Mary holding Christ Child; both are showing a hand blessing gesture
Origin Story: Dated back the 13th century where a monk experienced a vision from Mary and find the icon at a spring of healing water
Development History:

1240- During the Mongol invasions of Kyiv a monk had a vision from Mary near a spring of healing water. He then found the spring where the icon was
Middle Ages- Devotion spreads throughout Ukraine with pilgrimages
19th century- Devotion becomes incorporated into the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church
20th century- Devotion is suppressed during Soviet era
1991- Devotion undergoes a revival

Feast Day: mid-July
Patronage: Ukraine, Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church
Summary: It is considered one of the largest devotions in Ukraine and the most important Marian shrines. It is painted in the eastern Byzantine style heavy on gold features with a quality of depth to it. The hand gestures of Mary and Christ are also quite unique almost as if they are waving, however it is rather a blessing. The image also has a miracle associated to it, where it was revealed thru a vision from Mary. This makes the devotion all the more famous and historic.

Madonna and Child of Chortkiv

Shrine Location: St. Hyacinth's Church (Warsaw, Poland)
Type: Painting icon panel, Madonna and Child
Iconography: Mary sits with the Christ Child, both wearing crowns. Mary holds a flower while Jesus holds the globe
Origin Story: Image originates from Belarus and was associated to many miracles. It was acquired by the King of Poland who gave it to the Dominican monks of Chortkiv
Development History:

15th century- Originates from Astrowna, Belarus
1400-1500s- Devotion grows as it is credited with 86 miracles in ten years
1663- King Jan II Casimir of Poland gives the image to the Dominican monks of Chortkiv, Ukraine
1940s- During WWII the icon was moved to Krakow then Warsaw, Poland for protection
1991- Chortkiv becomes part of independent Ukraine, who received a replica of the image

Famous replicas/shrines:Saint Stanislaus Church in Chortkiv (Chortkiv, Ukraine)
Patronage: Polish and Ukrainian Catholic communities, rosary devotion
Summary: This historic icon shares heritage with Ukraine and Poland. It was originally enshrined in the Kingdom of Poland as part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. It later got absorbed into the Austrian Habsburg Empire. Chortkiv then became a part of independent Ukraine, where a replica was enshrined in the church of Saint Stanislaus. The Marian devotion became quite popular due to it's 86 official documented miracles ranging from healings and deliverance from danger. It shares both Catholic and Eastern Orthodox roots as it has traveled from Belarus to Poland and Ukraine.

Blachernitissa of Constantinople

Shrine Location: Originally at the Church of St. Mary of Blachernae (Constantinople, Turkey)
Type: Encaustic icon (wax-painting) Byzantine style
Feast Day: Nov 27
Origin Story: Very old Marian image, that was struck by an arrow in the face and began to display tears.
Development History:

6th century- Blachernae church complex in Constantinople display the icon with Marian relics
7th- 11th century- Devotion to the icon spreads as she is invoked in various assaults that save the city
8 th-9 th century- Removed during the Iconclasm dispute, later restored
1434- Catastrophic fire destroys the Blachernae chuch
1453- Original icon is lost due to the Ottoman Siege of Constantinople
15th century- Replicas and devotions are restored and become popular in Russia

Iconography: Mary displayed in humble pose carrying the Christ Child with a golden halo
Famous replicas/shrines:

Novogorod Icon of the Sign (the current primary image that replaced the original)

Patronage: Protection of Constantinople and Novgorod
Summary: This is one of the oldest eastern images from the 5th century that was enshrined in Constantinople. It became one of the earliest Marian devotions in the Eastern Orthodox tradition. It was eventually lost during the 1453 Ottoman conquest however went on to inspire many other similar icons and devotions primarily in Russia.

Our Lady of the Sign of Novgorod

Shrine Location: Cathedral of St. Sophia (Novgorod, Russia)
Type: Painted panel icon, platyera
Feast Day: Nov 27
Origin Story: Famous Orthodox image that was hit with an arrow that began to display tears.
Development History:

12th century- Icon first emerges in Novgorod, inspired by the Blanchernitissa devotion
1170- Famous miracle of the Sign where the icon is struck by an arrow and begins to display tears which shocks the invading army who are later defeated
1356- Church is built in Novgorod to honor the miracle
15th century- The image becomes a national symbol of Russian Orthodox tradition and inspires many other works of art and replicas

Iconography: Mary standing with her arms outstretched. A circle stands in the middle of her chest with the Christ Child depicting the womb.
Famous replicas/shrines:Kursk Root Icon of the Sign
Patronage: Patroness of Novogorod
Summary: The famous image was inspired by the Blachernitissa Marian devotion that became popular throughout Russia in the 12th century. This image depicts the mystery of the Divine Incarnation, but if most famous for it's miracle of the sign. During the Siege of Novogrod the image was hit with an arrow, that caused Mary's face to show tears. According to legend this caused the invading army to panic, seeing it as some sort of divine sign. In turn the defending army saw it as a rallying cry and were able to drive back their attackers. The icon became a very famous devotion after this with it's own church and devotion and inspired many other replica images.

Our Lady of Tinos

Shrine Location: Holy Church of Panagia Evangelistria (Tinos, Greece)
Type: Painted icon, Annunciation; Eastern Byzantine
Iconography: Mary kneeling in prayer while the Angel Gabriel stands opposite her. The Holy Spirit descends from above
Origin Story: A nun, Saint Pelagia, has visions of Mary that show her to the location of the buried icon
Development History:

1822- Saint Pelagia nun has repeated visions from the Virgin Mary telling her to dig at a specific site to find a buried icon
1823- Excavations begin and the image is recovered from an old ruined church
1823-1830- A new church is built and the icon becomes a symbol of Greek liberation during the Greek War of Independence
19th century- 20th century- The icon becomes a major religious devotion and becomes a national shrine of Greece

Feast Day: Aug 15 (Dormition of Mary) March 25 (Annunciation)
Patronage: Greece, Seafarers, sick and suffering
Summary: This is the most famous Marian devotion in Greece and seen as a national symbol of their independence. It has legendary origins where the nun Saint Pelagia had repeated visions from Mary telling her to find this sacred image. It was located at the old, ruined church of St. John the Baptist, which seems believable, but the fact that it was inspired from a vision made it somewhat miraculous. The image is very difficult to make out, perhaps due to wear-and-tear or the numerous adornments of jewelry around it. It was also credited with many other devotional miracles and became referred to as the Megalochare- She of Great Grace. It is considered one of the most famous icons of the Eastern Orthodox church attracting nearly 2 million pilgrims a year.

Three Handed Black Madonna

Shrine Location: Hilandar Monastery (Mount Athos, Greece)
Type: Painted icon, eastern Orthodox, Hodgeteria, Byzantine, Black Madonna
Iconography: Virgin Mary holding Christ Child; she is presenting him as the way; there is a third hand at the bottom of the image which represents
Origin Story: Tied to St. John of Damascus; Originated from Byzantium, transferred to Serbia, and then the Hilandar Monastery in Greece
Development History:

8th century- Associated to St. John of Damascus who had his hand cut off for defending Iconoclasm. In praying to Mary the hand was restored. The image represents his silver hand at the bottom
8th- 12th century- Icon is preserved in Byzantine Empire (likely Syria or Palestine)
12th century- Icon is transferred to Siberia
13th century- Icon is transferred to the Hilandar Monastery in Greece
14th-19th century- Devotion spreads throughout the Balkan region, Serbia, and Russia

Feast Day: July 12
Patronage: Healing, Serbian Orthodox Church, Mount Athos
Summary: This is one of the most famous images of the Eastern Orthodox tradition due to the mysterious nature of the 3rd hand at the bottom. This is tied to the iconoclast controversy of the 8th century where Saint John of Damascus' hand was cut off for defending the use of holy images. According to legend St. John prayed to Mary and his hand was miraculously restored. The image was then created as a reflection of this miracle, which became an iconic Marian devotion of the Eastern Orthodox tradition. It's a beautiful golden image of the Black Madonna presenting Christ as the way to salvation. It has the iconic Byzantine inverse perspective that gives the image more depth as if it's angling outward toward the viewer. It's amazing that the original image still exists as it has undergone much travel since it's inception during the 700s which is why it is often shown with it's riza (metal protection)

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Our Lady of Smolensk

Shrine Location: Dormition Cathedral (Smolensk, Russia)
Type: Mary and Child, Hodegetria
Iconography: Mary holds the Christ Child while her right hand points to him
Origin Story: According to tradition it is one of the St. Luke paintings, that was presented to Russia by the Byzantine emperor
Development History:

1046- Brought from Byzantium to Rus
1101- Installed in the Smolensk Cathedral
1239- Credited with saving Smolensk from Mongol invasion
1398- Transferred to the Moscow Kremlin
1456- Returned to Smolensk Cathedral
16 th- 18th century- Devotion grows as the image spreads throughout Russia asreplicas
1812- Image is carried into battle by Russian army during the Napoleonic wars
1940s- Original image is lost during WWII (Replicas live on)

Feast Day: July 28, Aug 10
Famous Replicas/Shrines:

Novodevichy Convent (Moscow, Russia)
Annunciation Cathedral/Kremlin (Moscow, RUssia)

Patronage: Protection of Russia, military, safe travels
Summary: This is the archetype of the hodegetria image "She Who Shows the Way". Mary is clearly pointing to Christ as the way to salvation. It is credited as one of the famous paintings of St. Luke the Evangelist. The image has undergone a rich history of travel from the Byzantine Empire throughout Russia. It acquired a role of defender during the Mongol Invasions of Russia during the 1200s. Unfortunately the original image was lost and likely looted by the Nazis during WWII. Many replicas live on however spread throughout Russia, while Smolensk still holds the primary replica in their national shrine.

Our Lady of Vladimir

Shrine Location: Tretyakov Gallery (Vladimir, Russia)
Type: Painting icon panel, Eleusa, Byzantine
Iconography: Mary with the Christ Child cheek-to-cheek
Origin Story: Tradition holds it was painted by St. Luke the Evangelist and arrived to Russia from the Byzantine Empire
Development History:1130s- Icon arrives in Kievan Rus (Vyshorod icon)

1155- Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky moves the image to Vladimir
13th-15th century- Devotion grows as the image is moved to Moscow several times for protection, such as the Tamerlane invasion
1480- Associated with the great stand of the Ugra River that liberated Russia from Mongol conquest
20th century- Moved to a national museum under Bolsheviks, and used as propaganda during WWII and Soviet era

Feast Day: June 23
Famous Replicas/Shrines:

Church of St. Nicholas in Tolmachi
Dormition Cathedral
Cathedral of Christ the Savior
Novodevichy Convent
Vyshorod (Ukraine)

Patronage: Russia, Ukraine
Summary: This is considered not only the most important devotional images in Russia, but also the most famous works of art. It's origins alone are legendary considered one of the famous paintings of St. Luke the Evangelist. It's a beautiful image, an archetype of the eleusa Byzantine form, where Mary displays cheek-to-cheek affection with her child. Her black robes contrast so well with the orange and gold backdrop. The real allure, however, is her expressive eyes that almost have a mysterious Mona Lisa quality to them. The image has undergone so much history, and it's a true wonder that the original version still exists today. It is not only one of the most cherished symbols of the Russian Orthodox Church but also of Russian history and identity.

Our Lady of Kostroma

Shrine Location: Epiphany-Anastasia Monastery (Kostroma, Russia)
Type: Painted icon panel, Eleus, Hodgetria, Byzantine
Iconography: Mary holds Christ child pressing him against her cheek; she slightly gestures towards him in the hodgetria fashion
Origin Story: Traditional brought to Russia from Byzantium, was lost then miraculously found in Kostroma
Development History:

12th century- Brought to Russia from Byzantium; found miraculously in Kostroma by prince Vasil
13th century- Established as a sacred icon and shrine in Kostroma
1613- During the Time of Troubles, Michael Romanov prayed before the icon before he accepted his new role as tsar
17th- 19th century- Widespread devotion to the image as a symbol of royal authority

Feast Day: March 14
Patronage: Romanov Dynasty, Russia
Summary: Our Lady of Kostroma also known as Feodorovskaya is another one of the most important iconic Marian images of Russia. It is closely associated to the Romanov dynasty, in which their first tsar Michael Romanov prayed before it (the dynasty lasted from 1613-1917). The discovery of the icon also has some miracles tied to it when Prince Vacily found it while hunting in the forest. According to legend as he tried to grab it from a tree it rose up and floated in the air for a while which was seen as a sign that it wanted to stay in Kostroma. Also according to legend there were many sitings in Kostroma of a mysterious warrior carrying the icon who was later identified as St. Theodore Stratelates (also known as Feodorovskaya). These legendary stories as well it's historical significance make this one of the most famous Marian images preserved in Russia.

Our Lady of Tikhvin

Shrine Location: Tikhvin Monastery (Tikhvin, Russia)
Type: Mary and Child, Hodgetria; Byzantine
Iconography: Mary holds Christ with one arm, and gestures toward him with her other hand indicting he is the way to salvation
Origin Story: Another icon that claims to have been painted by St. Luke the Evangelist; also believed to have miraculously appeared over Lake Ladoga.
Development History:

1383- Miraculous appearance at Lake Ladoga in Russia. Shrine established shortly after
15th-16th century- Devotion and pilgrimage grows throughout Russia
1560- Dormition Monastery founded by Ivan the Terrible
1613-1614- Icon is credited with defending Russia during the Time of Troubles
1940-2004- Icon is stolen by Nazis during WWII, then sent to Chicago for a while, then returned back to Russia

Feast Day: June 26
Famous Replicas/Shrines:

Moscow Kremlin (Russia)

Patronage: Protection of Russia, military, defense
Summary: Our Lady of TIkhvin also has a great historical tradition as a painting of St. Luke the Evangelist and a protector of Russia. According to legend the image appeared to have chosen the location of Tikhvin after it was seen in multiple locations across northern Russia (even floating above Lake Ladoga). The main devotion began widespread after it defended Russia from Swedish invasions during the Time of Troubles. The icon displays Mary with child in the prototype hodgetria fashion, however her eyes are much more droopy then usual. The image is currently preserved in the Monastary of Tikhvin protected by an ornamental layer of golden riza.

Our Lady of Tolga

Shrine Location: Tolga Convent (Yaroslavl, Russia)
Type: Painting icon panel, Eleusa; Byzantine
Iconography: Mother Mary holds Christ in affection, cheek-to-cheek
Origin Story: Bishop Rostov witnessed a light in the forest which came from an icon of the Virgin with Child. He had a church built at the exact location
Development History:

1314- Miracle appearance of the icon of Tolga floating in air. Bishop Rostov has the Tolga Monastery built on the exact location of the icon
14th- 15th centuries- Foundation of monastery, shrine, and devotion to the Lady of Tolga
1900s- Icon preserved during Russian Revolution and Soviet era

Famous Replicas/Shrines:

Tretyakov Gallery

Feast Day: August 8, August 21
Patronage: Yaroslavl, Healing
Summary: Our Lady of Tolga has a similar origin story as many other Russian icons where it just miraculously appeared in the forest near the Tolga River. This one however had a light shining from it, and it was not seen at multiple locations as with Our Lady of Tikhvin. It's the classic Byzantine Eleusa style image, where Mary is showing tenderness towards the Child Christ.

Thursday, June 4, 2026

Mariology: The Image Devotions of Mary

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