Nuestra Señora De Las Mercedes Day

               Road to Santo Cerro, La Vega (Virgen De Las Mercedes Altar)

As the picture says, her day was on September 24th (3 days ago) but we wanted to honor this tradition by having this topic, the last we are going to post in September. 

Considered since 1844 the Patroness of the Dominican Republic, Nuestra Señora de Las Mercedes or the Virgin of Mercy is the spiritual mother of the Dominicans who profess the Catholic faith.Every September 24th, the country celebrates the day of Las Mercedes, who is the oldest saint posing the title Maria de La Merced that goes back to the foundation of the religious order of the mercenaries on August 10, 1218 in Barcelona, ​​Spain."Mercy, forgiveness, compassion, are synonyms of the word Merced, which define the particular mission that was given to the virgin, which had mercy of the capturated Christians on the hands of Muslims, many of the members of the order exchanged their lives for the prisoners and slaves.The Virgin of the Mercedes is not only in the Dominican Republic, also countries like Spain, Italy, Peru and Venezuela ask for special protection of this saint.The legend says that the devotion of this virgin in the island of Santo Domingo originates in March 14th and 15th 1495, to the return of Christopher Columbus after the trip where he discovered Cuba and Jamaica, where he founded that the La Hispaniola was disturbed by a the rapes and robberies committed by the Spaniards.In the face of the Spaniards' abuses against the Natives, a coalition between the caciques, commanded by Maniocatex, brother of Caonabo, agglomerated an army of Indians in La Vega Real, to destroy the fortresses and attack the Isabela.According to legend, Columbus immediately unfolds in the center of the hill, 5 kilometers from La Vega Real.This altar was realized knowing that the Spaniards were so few that they would need a miracle to stop so many Natives, since they were only 220 Spaniards against approximately 30,000 Natives."When the natives arrived and saw the cross, attacking it directly to destroy, understanding that the power of the Spaniards derived from it, finally the battle was fought between them and despite the heroism of the Indians the victory was of the Spaniards."The Spaniards recognized that in this event, the interposition of a miracle occurred and they rejoiced thanks to the Virgin.Nuestra Señora de Las Mercedes is venerated in the Holy Hill, first Marian sanctuary of America, established by indication of Christopher Columbus, who indicated in his will that this church be made.In some cities of the country, such as Cabrera, Constanza, Hato Mayor, Imbert (Bajabonico), Pimentel and Sabana Grande de Palenque, the Virgin of Las Mercedes is their spiritual patroness and every year they celebrate patron saint celebrations.Traditionally, Dominicans go to pilgrimage to the Virgin's sanctuary until they reach Santo Cerro, located in La Vega province, hoping to obtain some benefits and offer vows and promises to Our Lady. After the procession, the devotees take part in the Eucharist that takes place.Each Catholic parish celebrates a Eucharist in honor of the patroness of the Dominican people and for the Eucharistic liturgy of the festivity of the Virgin of the Mercedes is used the white color that is peace, purity and time of joy.The Virgen de la Merced has characteristic elements such as the tunic, the scapular and the cape, all in white, with a Mercedarian shield on the chest, chains and shackle son insignia of slavery. It has a headdress with a queen's crown and also with the scepter in the right hand, while in other images she holds the baby Jesus in her left hand.Various institutions such asTthe Army and the Fire Department of the country also have the mother in the virgin, who receive the protection of this spiritual mother who keeps them in each of their exits in response to a fire or to save the population at times when her help is required.

Now tell me:

- Did you know about this virgin before

- What cities celebrate the patronal parties in her honor?

- What is the most interesting part of the post?

This assigment is for 5 points, when you comment please let your full name and your classroom.