The Chilean Church commemorates this year the centenary of the coronation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel as Queen and Mother of Chile, an anniversary that invites rediscovering the role this Marian devotion has played in the country’s religious and national history since the nineteenth century.
On the occasion of the celebration, the Chilean bishops have encouraged the faithful to renew their devotion to the patroness of Chile and to place under her protection the challenges the nation currently faces. The Archbishop of Concepción, Most Rev. Sergio Pérez de Arce, recalled that the coronation of the image was carried out on December 19, 1926, by mandate of Pope Pius XI.
A devotion linked to the history of Chile
Our Lady of Mount Carmel occupies a singular place in Chilean history. Her patronage became closely tied to the process of independence and the consolidation of national identity, eventually becoming one of the most deeply rooted expressions of the country’s popular religiosity.
In recalling the centenary of the canonical coronation, the Chilean bishops have emphasized that this celebration should not be understood solely as a historical commemoration, but as an opportunity to strengthen faith and Christian life.
Bishop Pérez de Arce stressed that Mary is Queen not by exercising dominion, but because she leads her children to Christ through love, recalling that the authentic meaning of Marian devotion consists precisely in drawing the faithful closer to Jesus Christ.
A call to pray for the country’s challenges
The Chilean prelate also took the opportunity to entrust to Our Lady of Mount Carmel some of the main concerns currently facing Chilean society.
Among them he mentioned the demographic crisis reflected in low birth rates, the deterioration of political coexistence, violence and crime, the situation of migrants, economic difficulties, and the progressive loss of the sense of God in broad sectors of society.
The reference is especially significant in a context in which Chile is experiencing accelerated secularization and a growing distance from traditional religious practices.
Indulgences and celebrations during the jubilee year
The centenary commemoration will be accompanied by numerous liturgical celebrations in various dioceses of the country. In addition, the faithful may obtain plenary indulgences by fulfilling the conditions established by the Church: sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion, prayer for the Pope’s intentions, and acts of piety in honor of the Blessed Virgin.
The initiative seeks to reinforce the spiritual dimension of the celebration and to recall the role Our Lady of Mount Carmel has played for generations in Chile’s religious life.
At the conclusion of his message, Bishop Pérez de Arce expressed his desire that the centenary contribute to strengthening the faith of Catholics and to renewing the nation’s confidence in Mary’s maternal protection.
“Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Queen of Chile, save your people who cry out to you,” the archbishop concluded.