La moreneta, is the name that is affectionately known among the faithful to the most holy Virgin of Montserrat, which in Catalan translates into Mare de Déu de Montserrat, guide to Catalonia, a province of the kingdom of Spain. Next, we will tell you the story of the patron Virgin of Montserrat.
History of the Virgin of Montserrat patron saint of pregnant women
In the year 880 AD, some children in their herding tasks, approached a cave, attracted by a radiant light that came from inside. Arriving at the place, they found the image of the Virgin.
Then the children ran to break the news. Exhausted, they arrived before the bishop of Manresa, who after confirming the find, tried to transport the image to the city.
The effort was in vain, the surprising weight that the figure gained was inexplicable, as they tried to move it. This made it difficult to move They decided to leave her in the place where she was found.
The bishop was quick to express that this mysterious situation represented the Virgin’s desire to remain in that place, so he immediately ordered the construction of the Hermitage of Santa María.
Description of the image of the Virgin of Montserrat
The characteristics of the image of the Virgin of Montserrat refer to a 95 cm. wooden carving, representative of Romanesque art, in which the Seated Virgin carrying Jesus on her lap child son of God.
The image of the Virgin of Montserrat delineates a stylized figure, with a long face and soft features, making her expression peaceful and loving. Like the baby Jesus, she wears a crown.
The most holy, contains in her right hand a sphere and in the left reflects a nice gesture. The Child Jesus is observed with his right hand raised and his left carrying a cone. They both radiate a delicate smile.
The image is golden, however, both the Child Jesus and the Virgin show their faces and feet black, which is why it gained the popular name of the brunette.
The Virgin of Montserrat wears original outfits. According to historical sources, she exhibited elaborate costumes in fine fabrics and gold crowns that were stolen during the Spanish civil war, when concluding the war, he returned to wear those clothes.
Historical events about the Virgin of Montserrat
The story tells that, during the independence war and the invasion of Spain, the French troops took the monastery where the image rested and after the desecration of the monastery, it was taken to Barcelona.
On a second occasion, new events forced the Virgin to leave her sanctuary, returning to it in 1844.
The Virgin of Montserrat was the first image of the Virgin Mary in be crowned in 1881is the liturgical rite that we know today as canonization.
Virgin of Montserrat patron saint of pregnant women
The Virgin of Montserrat is credited with a deep vocation and love for children, due to the fact that she appeared to some small shepherds, who were in the mountains while doing their work.
This event makes pregnant women, or when they want to conceive, ask the protect or grant them the blessing of becoming pregnant. She is known of many conferred miracles, for which she has been a highly revered saint.
Also having appeared with the holy child Jesus, makes her a patron saint who loves little ones, presenting herself to the Catholic and Christian faithful as a “mother goddess”.
In Spain, it is customary for women, in their 8th month of pregnancy, attend the temple of the Virgin of Montserrat to give it 9 lapsin unison with the prayer of 9 Our Fathers, Hail Marys and Glories, always in the company of their husbands.
In this ceremony, they ask for a happy ending to the pregnancy and a successful delivery. Pray blessing for the family and children.
The rite is accompanied by a candle and a picture of the Virgin. The Virgin is also implored for the favor of conception.
Currently, it can be admired in the monastery of Montserrat, in Catalonia, this being a place of pilgrimage for believers. Also in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia. Cuba and Ecuador pay devotion to him.