Mary is at the heart of Peru's national history

Peru was the cradle of the Incas, whose astonishing civilization was based on a caste system and the power of a king regarded as a living god. The ancient shrine of Mary PachaTacctacc in Cuzco is a reminder of Mary's role during this period.

Spanish colonization of Peru had well-known commercial and territorial aspects, but also missionary ones. The Dominicans propagated the practice of the Rosary. Other missionary congregations also had a strong Marian influence.

At that time, Spaniards and natives greeted each other by saying, "Praise be to the Blessed Sacrament and the Virgin Mary!"

The Peruvian War of Independence (1821-1824) was won by Argentine general José de San Martín, the son of conquistadores who became Peru's liberator. He was very attached to the Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of the Rosary. Thus, in 1820, when the city of Trujillo was liberated, the patriots gathered in the municipal palace and swore to "defend the Catholic, Apostolic and Roman religion, the purity of Mary our Mother, from the first moment of her conception, and the independence of the homeland, to the last drop of blood."

In 1824, the newly installed government decreed that the feast of the Immaculate Conception, on December 8, should be officially celebrated throughout the country. In 1921, for the 100th anniversary of Peru's independence, the country's president himself presented Our Lady of the Rosary with a golden scepter, adorned with precious stones.

In 1985, Pope John Paul II visited Peru, and spoke at length at the Cuzco shrine.

And of course, there are many churches dedicated to Mary in this country.

Marian Encyclopedia