Basilica of Our Lady of Lujan is one of the most important pilgrim sites in Argentina that attracts millions of worshipers and tourists every year. This basilica is situated 43 miles west of Buenos Aires. Luján is known for its traditional and warm hospitality.
The origin of this scared shrine dates back to
1685 when a small chapel stood at the place of the Basilica. In 1730, it
acquired the status of a parish. Due to the increase in the number of the
faithful , it was decided to build a larger church, which was opened on
December 8, 1763. The sanctuary was pulverized in 1905.
On May 6, 1890 the Father Jorge Maria Salvaire
began construction of the building that stands today. A French architect,
Ulderico Curtois, was made in charge of the project. The church was inaugurated
in December 1910.
There is a beautiful gothic basilica in Lujan,
which is one of the most revered sites in the country. The image of Our Lady of
Lujan was artistically made in Brazil. The image was made along with the image
of the Santisima Madre. Anonio Farias Saa, a Portuguese estate owner of Sumampa in Argentina wanted to
make a chapel for the Virgin. He asked his friend, who resided in Brazil, to
send an image that exemplified the Immaculate Conception of Maria. The image
was then placed in the house of Don Rosendo.
On Saturday, May 4th, Pope Francis visited St. Mary Major, the biggest church in Rome dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, for the second time. He was received by a friend of his, the Spanish Cardinal Santos Abril y Castelló, archpriest of the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major.
Indicated as one of the main supporters of Cardinal Bergoglio during the conclave, Cardinal Abril y Castelló got to know the future Pope very well when serving as apostolic nuncio to Argentina.
It must be remembered that the day after his election the new Pope paid a private visit to the papal basilica located on the Esquiline Hill, to pray and pay tribute to the icon of Mary Salus Populi Romani (Protectress of the Roman People) venerated not only in Rome, but throughout the Catholic world.
On his first public appearance a few hours after his election, Pope Francis manifested his Marian devotion, which he confirmed the subsequent days of his pontificate.
“He decided to visit the Basilica, not only to thank the Blessed Virgin, but — as Pope Francis said to me himself — to entrust Her with his pontificate, to lay it at Her feet. Being deeply devoted to Mary, Pope Francis came here to ask Her for help and protection,” said Cardinal Abril y Castelló at Vatican Radio, referring to papal visit of March 14th.
As early as his first appearance on the Loggia of Blessings the evening of his election, Pope Francis turned out to be in line with his predecessors, showing a strong Marian devotion.
The Basílica of Nuestra Señora de Luján has two towers 106 m height with a large cross on each.
The church is made from rose-colored stone.
As the church is dedicated to Our Lady of Luján, the patron saint of Argentina, it is also considered the national shrine of Argentina.
The church has 15 bells with individual names and slogans.
The Basílica Nuestra Señora de Luján is
situated in the small city of Lujan that lies to the west of Buenos Aires, the
capital of Argentina. El Palomar Airport is at distance of around 51.6 kms from
the Basílica. You can hire a taxi or choose to travel in a bus to reach the
church.
The best time to visit
Basílica Nuestra Señora de Luján is during fall (Mar-May) and spring
(Sept-Nov), when temperatures are mild.
The Basílica Nuestra Señora de Luján opens
from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Mondays through Fridays. On weekends, the closing
time is 6:00 pm.
Admission to the
Basilica is free. For crypt tour, the admission charges are AR$ 4.
Nearby Attractions: Complejo Museográfico Enrique Udaondo, Museo de Transporte
and L’Eau Vive.
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