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.
Here are 10 things to know about Our Lady of Coromoto, Venezuela’s patron saint:
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 people and their neighbors. Encouraging them to seek baptism was a sign of God’s desire to bring the Gospel to all cultures and tribes.
5) Our Lady miraculously left a tiny image as a relic in Chief Coromoto’s hand.
After one of the apparitions, Our Lady left a small relic containing an image of herself with the Child Jesus inside his hand. It is imprinted on a parchment‑like material and now venerated as a miraculous relic at the Basilica National Shrine of Our Lady of Coromoto.
6) The miraculous relic is preserved and publicly venerated.
The relic is only a few millimeters in size and is venerated inside a beautiful monstrance at the Basilica National Shrine of Our Lady of Coromoto, where pilgrims visit to pray for Venezuela and their own personal intentions.
7) The Church celebrates Our Lady of Coromoto on three dates throughout the year.
Venezuelans honor Our Lady of Coromoto on February 2 (Presentation of the Lord), September 8 (Nativity of Mary), and September 11, which is considered the principal feast associated with her apparition and coronation.
8) Pope Pius XII crowned her and raised her sanctuary to a basilica.
On October 7, 1944, (also the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary) Pope Pius XII declared her “Patroness of the Republic of Venezuela.” He also ordered her canonical coronation in 1952 on the third centenary of the apparition, and raised her sanctuary to a basilica in 1949.
9) Saint John Paul II dedicated the Basilica National Shrine of Our Lady of Coromoto.
On February 10, 1996, Pope Saint John Paul II visited Guanare and dedicated the Basilica National Shrine of Our Lady of Coromoto. The sanctuary was built at the site linked to her apparitions, which is now a major pilgrimage destination.
10) She is a powerful symbol of unity, hope, and protection in times of crisis.
Venezuelans often turn to Our Lady of Coromoto during social unrest, economic hardship, and natural disasters. They seek her maternal intercession, consolation, and protection for the nation. She provides them comfort and strength during difficult times.
Amid Venezuela's earthquake devastation, let us ask Our Lady of Coromoto to come to their aid.