- The event in honor of the patron saint of the state of Zulia was held in the Basilica of Our Lady of Chiquinquirá with a mass officiated by Monsignor Enrique Pérez Lavado
Despite the intense heat, thousands of parishioners gathered on October 26 in front of the Basilica of Our Lady of Chiquinquirá, in Maracaibo, Zulia state. Sitting on plastic chairs in the church square, and with umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun, they waited for the descent of the city’s patron saint, the Virgin of La Chinita, to begin their patron saint festivities.
According to the newspaper Fine Versionl, at least 20 thousand chairs were deployed in front of the stage covered in white and orange flowers, where a solemn mass was celebrated at 5:00 pm by the bishop of Maturín, Monsignor Enrique Pérez Lavado. While the clergy were seated on the platform, rows of seats occupied by people in white liqui-liqui suits were distributed to their sides.
Starting at 3:00 pm the place began to fill with faithful. Some wore blue shirts with the image of the Virgin, and matching umbrellas. The estimated thermal sensation in Maracaibo was around 42 degrees Celsius, and even as the afternoon fell, it remained above 32 degrees. Many fanned themselves with the billboards that the day before were distributed throughout the city by parish groups.
The mass
“Path of hope and peace” is the motto of this year’s festivities for the patron saint of the state of Zulia. They also celebrate 125 years of the consecration of Venezuela to the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. After the liturgy and the songs of the mass, Monsignor Pérez Lavado, who is a Marabino by birth, gave his sermon.
The long-awaited day of the Virgin’s descent has arrived, with which the devotion of the Zulian people turns towards the mother who is always with us. This is the reality: Mary is always with us and never leaves her children. But in this gesture of the solemn descent from her dressing room, she gives us the gift of making us feel externally what she never ceases to be spiritually,” declared Monsignor Pérez Lavado.
He cited the words of Monsignor Juan Bautista Castro, who promoted the consecration of the country to the Blessed Christ in 1899 to welcome the 20th century in peace after decades of wars and chaos: “Nations are healable.” He did not hesitate to draw the parallel with today’s Venezuela, highlighting the importance of faith and hope. “Today we also have to be convinced that Venezuela is healthy from the great miasmas that keep it sick today,” he added.
The sky already had a golden color and the bells of the basilica rang during the prayer of the faithful. Then came the presentation of the offerings and the Eucharist. Before finishing the mass, prebister Nedward Andrade, parish priest of the basilica, decorated Monsignor Pérez Lavado with the order of Gold Reliquary in its only class.
The descent
With the sound of bagpipes, the image of the Virgin of Chiquinquirá began to move slowly from the altar to meet her flock. It was already night, and the number of people gathered extended beyond the square, along Paseo La Chinita almost until reaching its monument.
The tablet with the Marian figure, discovered by some women in Lake Maracaibo on November 18, 1749, was protected in its iconic golden frame and rested on an arrangement of red flowers. Around her, a show of lights and lasers shone inside the church, while a platform moved her to the platform outside.
Meanwhile, the parishioners illuminated the square with their phones, waved colored handkerchiefs and prayed the Hail Mary several times. As soon as he crossed the threshold of the church, a cloud of smoke and petals erupted at his sides, and a fireworks display began to detonate in the sky. The screams of the people grew louder and louder as they got closer and closer to the stage.
Facing the tablet, Monsignor Pérez Lavado prayed the Hail, overshadowed by the noise of the pyrotechnics. When he finished, the bagpipes and the screams returned again. The Morena Virgin was now with her people, and for the next 30 days she will be in a permanent procession, visiting the lake towns and the neighborhoods of Maracaibo, until she returns to the altar at the end of November.
From other lands
Despite being recognized in Venezuela as a symbol of identity for the Zulian people, many families came to the Basilica from other states to see the Virgin of Chiquinquirá, as part of a devotion without borders. Kariña Rojas told the channel VPItv He is nine years old traveling with his partner from La Guaira to witness the descent and thank the Virgin for the favors fulfilled during the year.
She indicated that she is not from Zulia, but on one occasion she visited Maracaibo attracted by the bagpipes that usually accompany the festival. She was so moved by the tradition that she decided to become a devotee.
“Every time I come here, since I came from La Guaira on the bus, what I do is cry and cry. I save all year with my husband to live this unparalleled moment. It is an enigma, something beautiful that feels inside, indescribable. I do not come to pay a promise, but to live it and be grateful,” he declared.
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Interview with Monsignor Enrique Pérez Lavado on the Patron Saint Festivities in Zulia
Interviewer: Good day, Monsignor Pérez Lavado. Thank you for joining us. The recent event honoring the Virgin of La Chinita seems to have been a grand celebration, despite the intense heat. Can you share your feelings about the turnout and the atmosphere?
Monsignor Pérez Lavado: Thank you for having me. It was truly remarkable to see thousands of devoted parishioners braving the heat to join us in front of the Basilica. Their unwavering faith and spirit made the day not just about the Virgin’s descent but also a collective expression of hope for our community. The atmosphere was electric, filled with prayers, songs, and the vibrant colors of devotion.
Interviewer: You mentioned that the theme for this year’s festivities was “Path of hope and peace.” How does this resonate with the current situation in Venezuela?
Monsignor Pérez Lavado: The motto indeed holds profound significance for us. Just as we mark 125 years of consecration to the Blessed Sacrament, we must also acknowledge the struggles our nation faces today. There is a need for faith, hope, and healing—both spiritually and socially. By inviting everyone to this feast, we come together to seek that peace and transformation.
Interviewer: During the mass, you shared some poignant reflections about the Virgin’s descent. Can you elaborate on that moment and its meaning?
Monsignor Pérez Lavado: The descent of the Virgin is a powerful symbol. It represents Mary’s loving presence among her people. When I spoke about how “Mary is always with us,” I intended to reinforce the idea that even in challenging times, we can find comfort in our faith. Her physical descent gives us a tangible reminder of her spiritual support. It’s a celebration of our deep-rooted traditions and the hope that sustains us.
Interviewer: Many participants were seen utilizing umbrellas and signs to shield themselves from the sun. How did you perceive their dedication amidst such uncomfortable conditions?
Monsignor Pérez Lavado: It speaks volumes about the strength of their faith. The heat could not diminish their love for the Virgin of La Chinita. Each person there, whether holding a sign or fanning themselves, was a testament to their devotion. It is this kind of faith that binds our community, and their steadfastness in such conditions truly inspires us all.
Interviewer: As the festivities continue over the next month, what message do you wish to convey to both parishioners and those unable to attend in person?
Monsignor Pérez Lavado: To all, my message remains one of unity and resilience. While we celebrate the Virgin, let us also extend that spirit to our daily lives. Whether near or far, I hope everyone feels the warmth of our collective faith. We need to carry the hope and peace we nurture during these festivities throughout the year.
Interviewer: Thank you, Monsignor, for your insights. Your words encourage many to embrace faith and community spirit.
Monsignor Pérez Lavado: Thank you for your interest in our traditions. Let us continue to uplift each other with faith and love.
Mes, we are not alone. Her descent signifies that we are embraced by her love and guidance, encouraging us to trust in our faith and in each other as we navigate difficult paths. This moment serves not only as a reminder of her spiritual closeness but also a call to unity and resilience within our community.
Interviewer: Many attendees traveled from far and wide to participate in this celebration. What does this show about the Virgin of La Chinita’s role in the lives of individuals beyond Zulia?
Monsignor Pérez Lavado: The presence of people from various states reflects the deep-rooted devotion and affection for Our Lady of La Chinita. She is not just a local patron but a national symbol of hope and comfort for many. Regardless of where one is from, her love transcends borders, reminding everyone of the importance of faith during turbulent times.
Interviewer: Lastly, what message would you like to convey to both the local community and those who observe from afar?
Monsignor Pérez Lavado: I wish to remind everyone that our shared faith can be a beacon in the darkness, guiding us toward hope and healing. Let us remain united, trust in the love of our Mother Mary, and actively seek ways to uplift one another, nurturing peace and joy in our hearts and communities. Together, we can build a brighter future, rooted in faith and love.
Thank you, Monsignor Pérez Lavado, for your inspiring words and for sharing your insights with us today.
