Our Lady of La Altagracia
Feast:
January 6. The Dominican Republic, where the evangelization of the New World
began, is under the protection of the Virgin under two titles: Our Lady of
Mercy, the principal patroness who was so proclaimed in 1616 during the Spanish
colonial rule, and the Virgin of Altagracia, Protector and Queen of the hearts
of the Dominicans. "Tatica from Higuey," as the natives of Quisqueya
fondly refer to her, has her story and legend. There are historic documents
that prove that in 1502, in the island of Santo Domingo, the Most Blessed
Virgin was honored under the title of our Lady of la Altagracia, whose portrait
had been brought from Spain by Alfonso and Antonio Trejo, brothers who were
among the first European settlers of the island. When the brothers moved to the
city of Higuey, they took the image with them. Later they offered it to the
parish church so that everyone could venerate it. The first shrine was
completed in 1572 and in 1971 the present Basilica was consecrated. Popular
piety has it that the devout daughter of a rich merchant had asked him to bring
her a portrait of Our Lady of Altagracia from Santo Domingo. The father tried
to get it for her, but with no success. Neither clergymen nor tradesmen had
ever heard that Marian title. Back at Higuey, the merchant decided to stay
overnight at a friend's house. After dinner, feeling sorry for his daughter's
disappointment when he should arrive empty handed, he described to those
present his unsuccessful search. As he spoke, an old man with a long beard, who
was passing by, took out of his knapsack a rolled up painting and gave it to
the merchant saying: "This is what you are looking for." It was the
Virgin of Altagracia. At day break the old man had disappeared. The portrait of
Our Lady of Altagracia is 33 centimeters wide by 45 high. Expert opinion has it
that it is a primitive work of the Spanish school, painted towards the end of
the 15th or beginning of the 16th century. The painting, which depicts a
Nativity scene, was restored successfully in Spain in 1978, and its original
beauty and color can now be appreciated. The rigor of time, candles' smoke and
rubbing by the hands of the devotees had so altered the surface of the portrait
that it had become nearly unrecognizable. The scene of Jesus' birth is painted
on a fine cloth. The Virgin, lovely and serene, occupies the center of the
picture; she is looking with tenderness at the child who lies nearly naked on
the straw of the manger. A blue cloak sprinkled with stars envelops her and a
white scapular closes her garments in front. Maria of Altagracia wears the
colors of the Dominican flag; anticipating in this manner the national
identity. A radiant crown and twelve stars frame her head which now has a crown
on it. The frame which holds the painting is probably the most refined example
of Dominican gold work. This marvel made of gold, precious stones and enamel,
is the work of an unknown 18th century artist. Possibly he used the jewels that
the Virgin's devotees gratefully offered her. The image of Our Lady of
Altagracia had the privilege of being crowned twice: on August 15, 1922 -
during the pontificate of Pius XI - and by Pope John Paul II, who on January
25, 1979, during his visit to Santo Domingo, personally crowned the image with
a golden silver tiara, his personal gift to the Virgin, the first evangelizer
of the Americas.
With grateful thanks to the
Mary Page.