Basilica of Our Lady of Lujan

The Story

The Basilica of Our Lady of Lujan, west of Buenos Aires, is the national Marian shrine of Argentina, built around a small terracotta image of the Immaculate Conception whose story reaches back to 1630. According to the traditional account, the image was being transported by oxcart from Brazil toward Santiago del Estero when the cart halted near the Lujan River and could not be made to move. Only when the little statue of the Immaculate Conception was set down did the oxen pull again. The faithful understood that Our Lady wished to remain there, and a chapel was built for the image on the spot. Devotion to Our Lady of Lujan grew steadily across the centuries, spreading through the Rio de la Plata region. The image was solemnly crowned in 1887 with the blessing of Pope Leo XIII, and Our Lady of Lujan was declared patroness of Argentina; she is also venerated as patroness in Uruguay and Paraguay. The soaring neo-Gothic basilica that now enshrines the image was built between 1890 and 1935. Today Lujan is the most visited shrine in Argentina. Each year, in the great youth pilgrimage held in spring, more than a million people walk roughly sixty kilometers from Buenos Aires to the basilica to entrust themselves to the Virgin — one of the largest walking pilgrimages in the Americas — and countless pilgrims come throughout the year, especially around the feast of Our Lady of Lujan on May 8.

Church Recognition

The image of Our Lady of Lujan was canonically crowned in 1887 during the pontificate of Leo XIII, and Our Lady of Lujan is honored as patroness of Argentina; her church is a minor basilica and national sanctuary.

Catholic Teaching

Lujan speaks of Mary's maternal intercession and of the value the Church places on popular piety as an authentic expression of faith (CCC 971, 1674), drawing whole peoples to her Son through the Mother he gave us.

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Practical

1 Additional Information ▾

A major Argentine pilgrimage destination near Buenos Aires.

Go Deeper

The official website of the Santuario de Lujan (https://santuariodelujan.org.ar) offers shrine history and pilgrimage schedules. See also the Catechism on devotion to the Blessed Virgin (CCC 963–975).