Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of Rosary of Chiquinquirá, Cúcuta, Colombia Verified listing

Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of Rosary of Chiquinquirá, Cúcuta, Colombia

The Minor Basilica of San Luis Gonzaga stands in Cúcuta, Colombia. It is a Catholic temple and a symbol of resilience. The church was one of the first rebuilt after the 1875 earthquake. In 1897, parish priest Demetrio Mendoza founded it. Since then, it has served as a spiritual center for the community.

The basilica belongs to the San Luis parish, the oldest in the municipality. Initially, the parish focused on evangelizing the Indigenous people of the Cúcuta Valley. Over time, it became a hub for both religious and cultural activities. The church played a vital role in fostering community identity.

Inside the basilica, visitors find a painting of the Virgin of Chiquinquirá from 1587. The conquistador Rodrigo de la Parada donated the image to strengthen ties with the Indigenous people. Remarkably, the painting survived a violent flood and the destruction of the old church in 1875. As a result, the community developed a deep devotion to the Virgin.

Consequently, the church declared her its patron saint during the 1897 reconstruction. Today, parishioners honor her through prayers, festivals, and pilgrimages. The basilica continues to be a place of worship and reflection.

In 2019, Pope Francis elevated the church to the status of a Minor Basilica. This recognition highlights its historical and spiritual significance. The basilica remains a cornerstone of Cúcuta’s religious life, inspiring devotion and pride among locals and visitors alike.

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