Until the year 1739, the Virgin of Montserrat was the patron saint of all Spain, not just Catalonia. This is because, until the 18th century, La Moreneta or Black Madonna had been the patron saint of the kings of that time.
Later, in 1881, La Moreneta was named the patron saint of Catalonia by Pope Leo XIII, where she was officially recognized as such. In 1947, she was given a throne made of silver, bearing her name, where she is visited today by thousands of faithful from around the world.
Today, the image of the Virgin and what she represents is so highly regarded by all that there are churches and chapels in her honor all over the world. Madrid is one such city, boasting a grand church erected in her name, built between the late 1600s and early 1700s.
Italy, for example, also has over 100 buildings, including chapels and churches, representing the history of the Virgin of Montserrat.
In America, countries such as Chile, Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela also pay homage to La Moreneta.
For over two centuries, on April 27th every year, a series of liturgical activities such as chants, orchestras, dances, or folk performances are held to honor the Virgin of Montserrat.
The history of the Virgin of Montserrat
There are beliefs that say the legend of the Virgin of Montserrat originates in African culture; however, the history of La Moreneta has its origins long before. Likewise, its significance and history are attributed to humanity in general, rather than to an ethnic belief.
One proof of this is the representation of the Virgin and her child, whose significance is compared to that of the Earth giving life to beings. In various cultures, this image is represented with the meaning of “Mother Goddess,” where women can be seen breastfeeding their children or simply holding them in their arms.
In the carving of the Virgin of Montserrat in majesty and the Child Jesus seated on her lap, La Moreneta holds with her right hand the spherical orb, a symbol of the cosmos, creation, the perfect volume.
According to legend, the Virgin of Montserrat was hidden in a cave by a Muslim army during an invasion, and she was subsequently found by a group of young shepherds, being recovered in the 9th century. In a historical version, it is stated that this group of children noticed how a radiant light, accompanied by a celestial melody, descended from the sky as the sunset fell on a Saturday.
The most striking thing of all was that this prodigy was repeated more than once, so it could also be seen by the parents of the shepherds and by the rector of that area of Olesa. Surprised, they interpreted these visions as divine signs that soon needed to be investigated.
Then, Gotmar, the Bishop of Vic, ordered its investigation, and they attempted to pilgrimage with the Virgin to Manresa; however, the weight of the image was such that they were unable to move it, and they interpreted this as a sacred sign from the Virgin of Montserrat: that her desire was to remain there where she had been found.
After that, the bishop decided that a small chapel would be erected in that place to venerate her.
Where is the Virgin of Montserrat
Currently, La Moreneta is located in the sanctuary of the Montserrat mountain. This beautiful place, visited by hundreds of tourists and pilgrims, and adored by almost all Catalans, has changed the lives and vision of many people.
An example of this is Pope John Paul II, who visited it in 1982 and described this place as an “incomparable quarry.”
The place, known as the “sawed mountain,” is composed of rocks and peaks, forming a saw-like shape where all its hermitages and the great temple of Montserrat are located. It is a place that deserves a visit for its great beauty.
Miracles of the Virgin of Montserrat
The Virgin of Montserrat symbolizes the power of transformation, but above all, her influence lies in the protection of all her faithful.
Being the living image of what the “Mother Goddess” or “Protector of the Earth” means, her essence is attributed to caring for and loving unconditionally those who venerate her, giving them shelter in the most difficult situations.
An example of her power could be seen a couple of years ago, when a local follower visited the sanctuary of La Moreneta in search of help. Our Lady of Montserrat not only managed to heal her, but this lady, grateful, took a small statue to venerate her at home, and thanks to her, she managed to heal others as well.
Meaning of the Virgin of Montserrat
In addition to its symbolism of protection and unconditional love, knowing what the Virgin of Montserrat represents is very important, and its roots are older than it seems.
In the Bible, for example, the black virgins have inscribed the phrase “Nigra sum sed Formosa,” which in Spanish means “I am black, but beautiful.”