Our Lady of Quinche
Patron saint of Ecuador. Her party is celebrated on November 21
The image of Our Lady of the Presentation of the Quinche is a beautiful wooden sculpture, carved in the 16th century by Don Diego de Robles, an extraordinary artist who is responsible for other images of Mary of great popularity and veneration.
According to some testimonies, the Virgin appeared to the Indians in a cave, promising to rid them of the dangerous bears that devoured the children. On the other hand, those who had commissioned Don Diego to make the image did not pay him for it, so he decided to give it instead to the oyacachi Indians in exchange for some fine cedar planks that he needed for his work. The caciques were amazed when they saw Diego Robles arrive with the image of the Virgin on his back and recognized in it the same features of the Lady who had appeared to them and spoken to them in the cave. Without a doubt, the Virgin wanted to visit her poorest children first to attract them to the Lord of Lords whom she carries in her arms.
The image remained in the care of the Indians for fifteen years until, in 1604, the local bishop ordered its transfer to the town of Quinche, from where it finally took its name. The image, which is a fine cedar wood carving of about 62 cm. high, it is covered by a wide and beautiful brocade garment covered with gems, and embroidered with gold and silver threads that only allow us to see her dark and peaceful face. The Virgin carries a scepter in her right hand and with her left she holds the Child in an attitude of blessing, while she holds a gold sphere surmounted by a cross.
At the foot of the image, the pedestal and the large half moon, both made of pure silver, and the heavy imperial crowns of gold and precious stones, show the generosity of the Ecuadorian people who like to see their resplendent patron saint, always dressed in the best finery. The face of Jesus evokes the features of the mestizo children of those mountains. Mestizo is the color of the Mother, synthesis of the soul of the Inca and the Spanish. Her fine nose is framed by a delicate oval face with thin lips and a small mouth; her slanted eyes and her sad gaze with her half-closed or drooping eyelids give her a unique sweetness. That is why this invocation is so popular in Ecuador, especially among the Indians who affectionately call their protector from heaven “La Pequeñita”.
It is to admire the variety of songs that are sung in honor of the Virgen del Quinche, with texts in Quechua, in Jíbaro and in other diverse dialects of the region and also in Spanish; many of them have been sung for four centuries. The image was crowned in 1943 and her feast day is celebrated on November 21. The current temple was declared a National Sanctuary in 1985.
Prayer to the Virgin of the Presentation of Quinche written by Pope Francis
Virgin Mary, Mother of El Quinche, chosen by God to give me his Son and show me the true path, lovingly attend to my humble prayer.
Teach me to love, as you did, to live in peace and serenity; teach me to strive, like you, Mother, to meet the goals set by God;
Teach me to give myself, and be for others, the hands of God. Teach me to live with respect to the brothers since in them is the person of Jesus; teach me to pray to maintain contact with your Divine Son; teach me to discover and fulfill the will of God, be happy and reach my fullness;
Finally, teach me to be a good person to be with you, Mary, with Jesus, with the Holy Spirit and with my Father God in eternity.
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