Nestled 1,236 meters above the Catalonian valley, sits the Santa Maria de Montserrat. The Monastery of Montserrat is an abbey founded by the Order of Saint Benedict. The Basilica houses a sacred statue of the Black Virgin of Montserrat, also known as La Moreneta or the Black Madonna.
It is said that in 890, two shepherd boys from Monistrol witnessed bright lights and heard songs coming from the Santa Cova (The Holy Cave) that’s hidden in the mountain, inside they found the wooden statue of La Moreneta. For more information on Santa Cova, please click here
The History of the Monastery and Basilica
In 1025 AD, the Monastery was founded by Abbot Oliba, an important and highly venerated religious figure in Catalonia at the time. Because the statue was so highly venerated, it needed a home where it would be preserved and respected. Abbot Oliba ordered the construction of the monastery for the worship of La Moreneta. A shrine where the statue now sits is located inside the Basilica behind and above the altar–it is known as the ‘Throne Room’ and was cultivated by architect Francesc Folguera and painter Josep Obiols. The statue was placed behind the altar to insinuate the Virgin Mary is always watching over the Basilica.
It is commonly believed that the statue holds miraculous powers, and because of this, Christian pilgrims have flocked from all over the globe to catch a glimpse of the statue. It is thought that the Virgin will intercede in the enhancement of fertility of a woman who is wanting to conceive a child if she kisses the hand of the statue. However, religious or not, the Santa Maria de Montserrat and La Moreneta display the captivating history of Spain.
Henry Chacon, a Tampa, Florida native who was visiting the Monastery, said that although he was not religious, the feelings that viewing the Black Virgin of Montserrat induced was overwhelming.
“I didn’t come here for religious purposes,” said Henry. “But I was blown away at the beauty of that little statue.”
There is truly something to be said about the emotions simply looking at the statue inspires. However, for many, touching the ancient statue deeply inspires and changes them.
Paulina Rubio, an Argentinian native who was traveling to the Monastery because of the significance it held for her family, said that simply placing her hand on the statue caused her to break out into tears.
“My mother came to visit La Moreneta right before I was born, so I had always grown up listening to the stories she told about her Spanish travels,” said Paulina. “My mother died about four years ago so visiting this place has been extra emotional for me.”
The History of The Black Virgin of Montserrat
Originally known as La Jerosolimitana, the statue is believed to have been crafted by St. Luke in Jerusalem and brought to Spain by St. Peter, when Christianity was first established. The statue was then hidden in the Santa Cova from the moors who were invading the country. However, this belief has never been able to be confirmed. The mystery of the creation and travel of the Black Madonna is what makes it all the more enchanting.
In the 1800s, Pope Leo XIII declared Our Lady of Montserrat as the Patron Saint of Catalonia. For more information, please click here
The Image of The Black Virgin of Montserrat
The statue is carved in wood to depict the image of Our Lady in Majesty–The Virgin Mary sitting on a throne holding the child Jesus on her lap. This image of the Virgin Mary sitting at a throne is meant to visually display her title as “The Queen of Heaven” In the sculpture, both the Virgin Mary and her Son Jesus, have crowns on their heads and are dripping in gold garments. Their royalty can be seen and felt upon immediate view of the statue. The figure of the Virgin Mary stretches out her right hand holding a globe inside of it, this is a symbol of the universe. She rests her left hand gently on the shoulder of the child Jesus to indicate that He is her Son. The child Jesus is seen holding a pinecone in His left hand which symbolizes fertility and salvation. With his right hand, the child Jesus is giving a blessing.
The most significant and unforgettable part of the statue of the Virgin is the dark pigmentation of her and her child’s skin. The dark color of her skin is why she received the title La Moreneta, which means “the little black lady.” For more information on why locals decided to gift her with that title, please click here
There are many conspiracies as to why the Virgin’s skin is black. For example, many believed that she is meant to portray the African Madonna. Another idea is that she turned black due to the smoke from the burning candles where she was kept for so many years. However, it is definitively known that the statue has just darkened over time.
Carolina Velazques, an Austin, Texas native arrived at the monastery with the false idea that La Moreneta was modeled after an African Madonna.
“I came here thinking the statue was of a Black Virgin Mary,” said Carolina. “It was fascinating to learn that it’s actually changed color over time.”
The statue is enclosed in a glass case with an opening where her hand is gripping the globe. Visitors are able to place their hand on the statue where the opening is.
How to go see The Black Virgin of Montserrat
Visitors can enter and explore the Monastery, Basilica and Black Madonna all for free. However, there are donation boxes throughout the Basilica which encourage visitors to help preserve and support the Monastery. For more information, please click here
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