Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia, Higüey, Dominican Republic Verified listing

Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia, Higüey, Dominican Republic

The Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia stands in Salvaleón de Higüey, Dominican Republic. It honors Our Lady of Altagra, the country's spiritual patroness. The basilica also serves as the seat of the Diocese of Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia.

Pope Paul VI granted it the title of minor basilica on December 17, 1970. Later, in 1992, Pope John Paul II visited the site. This visit made the basilica even more meaningful for Dominican Catholics.

Every year, more than 800,000 people visit the basilica. They come to see the sacred image of the Virgin. The painting has been venerated since 1571. The Church officially moved it to the basilica in 1970.

One popular legend explains the site’s origin. A young girl from Higüey asked her father for a picture of the Virgin Mary. He brought one home and placed it inside the house. However, each morning, the image appeared under a tree outside. The girl returned it indoors daily. But the same thing happened again and again. She finally told her parents. Locals soon considered the spot sacred. Later, the Church built the basilica there.

The image now stands as the center of devotion. Pilgrims visit to reflect, give thanks, and seek blessings.

Dominicans celebrate Our Lady of Altagracia’s feast every January 21. Originally, it fell on August 15, the Feast of the Assumption. However, the Church moved the date to honor a military victory over the French in 1690. When the feast falls on a weekend, the holiday may shift to the closest Friday or Monday.

In every way, this basilica holds deep meaning. It combines faith, history, and national identity in one place. For many, it is the heart of Catholic life in the Dominican Republic.

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