Our Lady of Health of Patzcuaro

Our Lady of Health of Patzcuaro is Patron Saint of the Archbishopric of Morelia and the magical town of Pátzcuaro, year round pilgrimages take place, but the most significant date is December 8. 

Our Lady of Health of Patzcuaro

December 8 is the big party. It starts early in the morning with “las Mañanitas a la Virgen” (Happy Birthday), and several masses throughout the day, including one in Purepecha (indigenous language).

Basilic of Our Lady of Health in Pátzcuaro

A very emotional event is the procession of our Lady of Health of Patzcuaro in the main streets of our magical village and the Plaza Vasco de Quiroga.  This is the only of two “outings” of the Virgin in the course of the year.

During this pilgrimage, a mat of sawdust is placed in the Iturbe Street, which our guests at Hotel Mansión Iturbe can observe from our very own balconies.  This procession is filled with fervor and an atmosphere of joy among the participants.

Our Lady of Health of Pátzcuaro at the Iturbe Street

Here are some important details of which you may not be aware concerning our Lady of Health, Don Vasco de Quiroga, and our beloved Pátzcuaro. You can also find this information on a plaque just outside the Basilic of Pátzcuaro:

• 1470 Don Vasco de Quiroga was born in Spain on February 3, 1470.
• August 25, 1530, Don Vasco de Quiroga embarks for New Spain (now Mexico), comes as a judge.
• December 10, 1530 (nearly four months later!), he lands in Veracruz.
• January 9, 1531 he arrives at Mexico City.
• In 1533 he visits Michoacán.
• In 1536, Pope Paul III founds the dioscesis of Michoacán, and Don Vasco is named Bishop there.
• In 1540, Don Vasco has an image of Saint Mary made by some indigenous artisans of Pátzcuaro, this after many good tidings and healings of sick occurring at Saint Mary’s hands.
• In 1737, Our Lady of Health was designated Patron of Pátzcuaro.
• On December 8, 1899, the Pope formally recognized this figure.
• In 1924, Pope Pious XI name her the Principal Patron Saint of the Archdiocese of Morelia.
• On December 20, 1962, Our Lady of Health was attacked (she was shot at 10 times by a deranged farmer from another village) but survived unscathed.

Plaque outside the Basilic of our Lady of Health of Patzcuaro

A visit to the Basilica of our Lady of Health in Patzcuaro, is a must on your next visit to our magical village.

Basilic of our Lady of Health of Pátzcuaro

*Text and pictures properity of Hotel Mansión Iturbe.

We invite you to visit our blog, you will find information about Pátzcuaro and its surroundings that we hope will be useful for your next trip to our colonial town in Mexico.

Celebrations of the Virgin of Guadalupe in Pátzcuaro

Mexican Traditions: El Dia de la Candelaria in Patzcuaro

Festival of Corpus Christi in Patzcuaro


Hotel Mansion Iturbe
Portal Morelos 59
Plaza Vasco de Quiroga
61600 Patzcuaro, Michoacan
México

For more information about our Hotel in Patzcuaro

Reservations online at Hotel Mansion Iturbe

Tels: +52 (434) 342 0368 / 342 3628

Fax: +52 (434) 342 3627

Toll Free fax number from USA & CANADA: 1 866 678 6102

GDS CODES:

Amadeus: ON MLMMAN
Sabre: ON 16297