Our Lady of Meritxell

Biography

Our Lady of Meritxell, is a revered Marian apparition and patroness of Andorra. The origins of her presence in the village of Meritxell date back to a remarkable event in the late 12th century. On 6th January, during a cold winter in the Andorran village of Meritxell, a group of villagers were making their way to Mass in Canillo when their attention was captured by a sight that defied the season. Alongside the road grew a wild rose, and to their astonishment, it blossomed in full bloom. At the base of this remarkable rose, there lay a small statue of the Virgin Mary holding the Child Jesus. Recognizing the significance of this extraordinary discovery, the villagers reverently took the statue and placed it in a chapel within the church in Canillo. However, the following day, to their astonishment, the statue was found to have returned once again to the base of the wild rose. This perplexing phenomenon continued when the villagers from the nearby town of Encamp transported the statue to their church, only to find it once more beneath the rose bush the following day. Realizing that there was a divine message at play, the villagers of Meritxell interpreted this recurring event as a sign that they were chosen to build a chapel specifically dedicated to housing the miraculous statue. Thus, with a deep sense of devotion, they constructed a chapel at the sacred location within the village. For centuries, pilgrims from both near and far have traveled to this holy site, seeking solace, healing, and supplication before Our Lady of Meritxell. Devotees have witnessed numerous miracles granted through her intercession, cultivating a deep devotion to the Mother and Child depicted in the statue. However, tragedy struck on 8th-9th September 1972, when a devastating fire ravaged the cherished Meritxell Chapel, resulting in the loss and destruction of the original statue. Despite this heartbreaking incident, the unwavering faith and commitment of the people of Andorra prevailed. A replica of the statue was created and is now housed in the newly built Meritxell Chapel, ensuring that the devotion to Our Lady of Meritxell continues to inspire and uplift the faithful. Our Lady of Meritxell holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Andorra. Deeply revered throughout generations, she was officially proclaimed as the patroness of Andorra by the General Council in 1873. Every year, on her feast day, 8th September, the people of Andorra gather to honor and celebrate the enduring spiritual presence of Our Lady of Meritxell. As a post-congregation Marian apparition, Our Lady of Meritxell continues to draw people to her shrine, fostering a sense of unity, hope, and spiritual renewal. Her loving gaze upon the devotees, accentuated by the tender depiction of the Child Jesus in her arms, reflects her eternal motherly care and compassion for those who seek her intercession. The story of Our Lady of Meritxell serves as a powerful testament to the enduring faith and unwavering devotion of the people of Andorra. Through her presence and intercession, she continues to inspire countless individuals to turn their hearts towards God and find solace in the loving embrace of the Blessed Virgin Mary.