“Paraguayans are a Marian people by nature"

In Paraguay, the Shrine of Our Lady of Caacupé (a small town 50 km east of the capital) is one of the largest Marian shrines in the country. Every year the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception coincides with the feast of Our Lady of Miracles in this small town which is also the "spiritual capital of Paraguay."

The Bishop emeritus of Caacupé, Bishop Claudio Giménez Medina, who was for 22 years the ordinary of the city where the shrine is located, explains in a unique way what the Immaculate Conception is: "The Immaculate One is intact. Saint Paul says that we have been created, before the creation of the world, intact and irreproachable in Jesus Christ. This is an important help that not only Our Lady received, but that we benefit from as well, although Our Lady was preserved from original sin."

"The Paraguayans," says Bishop Gimenez, "are Marian by nature. Paraguay was born with Our Lady of the Assumption, who has marked the destiny of the people. Its capital, Asunción, was founded on August 15th. The country, the people, and the nation were born with the presence of Our Lady among them. The Franciscans put in the heart of our people the love of Our Lady, especially Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception."

Fides Agency 22/12/2017