Argentina

Argentina, just as the rest of Latin America, grew to become deeply Marian at the same time that it became Catholic, in the 16th century.

The principal sanctuaries dedicated to Mary in Argentina are:

• Our Lady of Lujan in the East,
• Our Lady of the Valley in the North
• The Virgin of Itati on the sea coast.

There are many others, because the Catholic Argentinians are particularly devoted to the Blessed Virgin. They pray to her and honor her like a mother.

Many cities in Argentina bear the name of Mary. Here are a few of the most important ones :

• to begin with the largest, the city of Buenos Aires : founded in 1535, its official name is "Ciudad de la Santissima Trinidad y puerto de Santa Maria de los Buenos Aires", which means, "City of the Holy Trinity and Seaport of Our Lady of Good Air"
• Rosario, the second biggest city in Argentina, derives its name from Our Lady of the Rosary
• Mercedes was named in honor of Our Lady of Mercy.

Pope Pius XI, at the closing ceremony of the 1934 International Eucharistic Congress in Palermo, blessed Argentina and entrusted her to

"Our Lady of Lujan, very special patroness of the Republic of Argentina."

Marian devotion is so popular in Argentina that both official institutions and families frequently choose the Holy Mother of Jesus as their own patron. To cite a few: the Navy, the Army, the Air Force, and other State administrations.

The people feel proud, in Argentina, to have the Virgin Mary as their Patroness!