Virgen de Coromoto: Venezuela celebrates patron saint jubilee

The devotion to the Virgen de Coromoto, the patron saint of Venezuela, remains a profound expression of faith for Venezuelans both within the country and among the global diaspora. The tradition traces back to the 17th century in Guanare, Portuguesa state, where the Virgin is said to have appeared to Cacique Coromoto, urging him and his people to receive baptism.

In 1950, Pope Pius XII proclaimed the Virgen de Coromoto as the patroness of Venezuela. The religious significance of the site was further solidified by a canonical coronation in 1952 and the inauguration of the National Sanctuary by Pope John Paul II in 1996.

As part of a jubilee year extending through September 2027, celebrations are marking the 375th anniversary of the apparitions and the 75th anniversary of the canonical coronation. This period is expected to draw massive numbers of pilgrims to the National Sanctuary in Guanare, with opportunities for plenary indulgences offered at various jubilee temples and parishes across the country.