On Wed., June 24, 2026, two powerful earthquakes hit Venezuela within minutes of each other. The disaster has killed over 500 people and wounded thousands more.
With the country experiencing such devastation, Catholics must come together and pray for them.
Venezuela’s patron saint is Our Lady of Coromoto, a 17th-century Church-approved apparition. The Venezuelan people often turn to her for strength and protection in times of devastation and crisis.
1) Our Lady of Coromoto is the official patroness of Venezuela.
The Venezuelan bishops declared Our Lady of Coromoto the official patroness in 1942. Pope Pius XII then ratified this on October 7, 1944.
2) Her title comes from an indigenous chief.
Our Lady of Coromoto is named after the cacique (tribal leader) Coromoto, whom she appeared to in the 17th century near present‑day Guanare, Venezuela.
3) Our Lady appeared holding the Child Jesus.
Tradition says Our Lady appeared to Chief Coromoto and his wife near Guanare, Venezuela, in 1652. Speaking to them in their native language, she held the Child Jesus in her arms and urged them to receive the sacrament of Baptism so they could “go to heaven.”
4) The apparition evangelized Christianity to the indigenous peoples of Venezuela.
Mary’s invitation brought the Christian faith to the indigenous Coromoto
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