Our Lady of the Pillar
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Our Lady of the Pillar, known in Spanish as Nuestra Señora del Pilar, is one of the most cherished Marian devotions in Spain. She is venerated in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza, beside the Ebro River.
According to Catholic tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to the Apostle Saint James in Zaragoza while she was still living in Jerusalem. She is said to have stood upon a pillar and encouraged him in his mission to share the Christian faith. This tradition is associated with the beginnings of the shrine in Zaragoza.
The Virgin of the Pillar is the patroness of Zaragoza and is also honoured as the patroness of the Hispanic world. Her feast day is celebrated on 12 October, when pilgrims and visitors gather at the basilica to pray and take part in the traditional floral offering.
Most Holy Virgin of Pilar, to thy care we confide the needs of our families, the joys of children, the dreams of youth, the anxieties of adults, the sufferings of the sick, and our preparation for life’s end. To Thee we entrust the perseverance of our priests and religious. Ever increase our Faith, give assurance to our Hope and enliven our Charity. Amen.