Our Lady of Suyapa
Festividad: February 3
Patroness of Honduras through a miraculous clay image discovered in 1747.
Patronazgo
Honduras, Diocese of Comayagua, healing, protection
Virtudes y rasgos
Biografía
Our Lady of Suyapa refers to an apparition of the Virgin Mary recognized by the Catholic Church in Honduras. In 1747, a small clay image of the Virgin Mary was discovered by a peasant named Gil Córdoba near the village of Suyapa, outside Tegucigalpa. The discovery occurred when Córdoba was searching for a lost animal in a field. The image became a focus of devotion and was associated with miracles and healings. Pope John Paul II canonically crowned the image in 1987 during his visit to Honduras, recognizing its significance to the Honduran faithful. Our Lady of Suyapa was declared the patroness of Honduras in 1952, and the basilica constructed at the site has become a major pilgrimage destination. The devotion emphasizes Mary's maternal protection and intercession for the Honduran people.